Advancing Lung Cancer Awareness and Screening in Virginia

Alan Matsumoto, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR® Board of Chancellors and Arun Krishnaraj, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR® Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) Commission attended the Virginia Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Lung Cancer Screening Day proclamation signing ceremony in Richmond Nov. 18.

College leaders, the ACR Lung Cancer Screening Committee, PFCC Director Tiffany Gowen and ACR Program Manager for Lung Cancer Screening Initiatives Beverlee Carlisle, continue to use events like these to elevate the role of radiology in promoting early detection, high-quality screening, and patient-centered care.  This Virginia ceremony convened healthcare leaders, advocates and state officials committed to reducing the burden of lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Commonwealth and nationwide.

Proclamations issued by governors such as this one signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin play a critical role in increasing public awareness, encouraging eligible individuals to seek lung cancer screening and acknowledging the ongoing efforts of clinicians, health systems and community partners working to expand access to lifesaving early-detection services. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of education, timely diagnosis and coordinated care — priorities closely aligned with the College’s mission and longstanding commitment to improving population health.

ACR’s comprehensive lung cancer screening resources, including evidence-based clinical guidelines, patient education materials, accreditation programs, and tools that support quality and safety, significantly strengthen public awareness and screening implementation across the state. These resources directly reinforce the goals of the Virginia proclamation by equipping clinicians, health systems, and community partners with the information and infrastructure needed to expand screening participation and improve outcomes for high-risk individuals.

For more information or if you have questions, contact Tiffany Gowen.