International Day of Radiology Emphasizes Lung Imaging and Advances in Radiology Research

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA; Oak Brook, IL, USA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR; Reston, VA, USA) joined more than 100 medical societies in 57 countries worldwide on November 8, 2013, to celebrate the second annual International Day of Radiology.

IDoR 2013 focused on the important role lung imaging plays in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, including the introduction of computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Most recently, lung CT scans were shown by clinical trials to reduce lung cancer deaths among high-risk patients. The RSNA and the ACR have issued a Joint Statement on CT for Lung Cancer Screening, which supports the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) draft recommendation (“grade B”) for CT lung cancer screening of high-risk individuals. The ACR is currently working on CT lung cancer screening guidelines and standards.

“International Day of Radiology is a special time to recognize the tremendous value radiology adds to modern health care. Deaths from cancer and other serious illnesses and injuries have plummeted in recent years largely due to early diagnosis made possible by imaging exams such as lung CT scans. Expanded use of CT lung cancer screening in high-risk patients is a landmark step in the battle to defeat this terrible disease. I encourage the United States Preventive Services Task Force to take action now and mandate insurance coverage for the life-saving procedure,” said Paul H. Ellenbogen, MD, FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors.

IDoR also recognizes the many recent developments in radiology research that have transformed modern medicine, generated great technologic innovations, enabled more effective and efficient healthcare, and saved countless lives. Furthermore, current medical technology provides people with less invasive approaches to early cancer detection. The breast cancer death rate in the United States has fallen more than 30% since mammography use became widespread in 1990. In other countries where mammography-screening programs are more organized and widespread, breast cancer deaths have nearly been slashed by 50%.

“From screening and diagnostic imaging exams used to diagnose illness early to life-saving interventional therapies and radiation oncology treatments, medical imaging plays a critical role in patient care,” said Sarah S. Donaldson, MD, president of RSNA. “International Day of Radiology not only celebrates imaging’s tremendous contribution to medicine over the last century, but also honors the ongoing research that allows us to ensure that our patients continue to receive optimal care.”

Radiology professionals are working together to inform patients about the beneficial role medical imaging plays in patient care. ACR and RSNA jointly sponsor RadiologyInfo dot org, an important resource that clarifies medical imaging tests and treatments in detailed, easy-to-understand language, helping patients to understand and plan for imaging procedures.

IDoR 2013 also marks the 118th anniversary of the discovery of X-ray technology. It is cosponsored by the ACR, RSNA, and the European Society of Radiology (Vienna, Austria).

The ACR is one of the largest medical associations in the United States. The College focusses its resources on making radiation therapy and imaging safe, effective, and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists, and nuclear medicine physicians.

RSNA is an association of more than 52,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and scientists, encouraging excellence in patient care and healthcare delivery through research, education, and technologic innovation.

Related Links:
International Day of Radiology 2013
Radiological Society of North America
European Society of Radiology