1^st August, 2024, Dongfang, Hainan

In responding to the call of improving life expectancy through reduction of tuberculosis and lung cancer burden. Organized and implemented by the Innovation Alliance (IATB). The first national multi-disease radiological screening project was kick off in Dongfang city, Hainan province. More than 23,500 at-risk local population will be given free of charge screening services for the two target diseases of pulmonary TB and lung cancer by the year’s end. The project was a pioneering attempt to reduce the incidence and mortality of both diseases through early active screening, early diagnosis and treatment.

According to 2023 data, Hainan province was high on both TB and lung cancer incidence, with the latter especially malignant lung cancer being the third deadliest disease province wide. For this reason, Hainan was chosen to carry out this pilot screening project. The screening targeted locals between 40 and 80 years of age who have been identified as at-risk population by a questionnaire and without performing a lung CT scan in the recent 3 months. Locals can participate the screening by making reservations on and offline at Wechat App or community health centers. Once a reservation is made, the subject will be given a CT scan in a converted mobile clinic on a van, and those who have been found suspicious would receive a more comprehensive work up at the Dongfang People’s Hospital. The screening included a low dose chest CT scan, which will be interpreted by a computer aided detection software (CAD) with remote proof reading by a radiologist and a physician. In addition, subjects are given tests for blood pressure, diabetes, ultrasound, sputum smear and culture. Those who have been found suspicious of having TB or lung cancer will be given further molecular rule in test, their information will be subject to a panel of expert discussion to realize early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment. 

This screening project will be conducted in other cities across the country. Now Wuhan has expressively confirmed its commitment to join the project, which will be conducted later this year.

Report by Zi Chen, Innovation Alliance
Photo by Hainan.com