Nova Scotia’s lung screening program finds dozens of cancer cases in first 2 years – CBC
Program set to expand provincewide in coming months, aims to provide earlier diagnosis
Feb 17, 2026
Nova Scotia’s lung screening program is still in its infancy, but those leading the effort say they’ve already been able to deliver life-changing, positive news to dozens of people who might have received a terminal diagnosis in other circumstances.
“We’re seeing a big impact and we’re getting more referrals at early stage or Stage 1 lung cancer, where we can essentially cure the disease and improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Alison Wallace, a thoracic surgeon who operates on lung cancer patients.
“To be able to offer patients surgery and a cure just offers hope with this devastating disease.”
Lung cancer is often called a silent killer, as it doesn’t become symptomatic until it advances to a late stage of the disease. About 80 per cent of people die within five years of a late stage diagnosis.
