International Day of Radiology 2013 Recognizes Lung Imaging and Countless Innovations in Radiology Research

On Friday, Nov. 8, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) will join more than 100 medical societies in 57 countries around the world in celebrating the second annual International Day of Radiology (IDoR). IDoR 2013 will focus on the important role lung imaging plays in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases — including the advent of computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening.

Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cause of cancer death. Most recently, lung CT scans were shown by clinical trials to significantly 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 United States 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, M.D., FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors.

IDoR also recognizes the many innovations in radiology research that have revolutionized modern medicine, produced great technological leaps, enabled more effective and efficient care and saved countless lives. Moreover, modern medical technology provides people with less invasive methods of early cancer detection. The breast cancer death rate in the United States has dropped more than 30 percent 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 cut in half.

“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, M.D., president of the Radiological Society of North America. “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 valuable role medical imaging plays in patient care. ACR and RSNA jointly sponsorRadiologyInfo.org, an important resource that explains medical imaging tests and treatments in detailed, easy-to-understand language, helping patients to understand and prepare for imaging procedures.

IDoR 2013 also marks the 118th anniversary of the discovery of the X-ray. It is co-sponsored by the ACR, theRSNA and the European Society of Radiology. For additional information, visit IDOR2013.com orRadiologyInfo.org.

About the American College of Radiology
The American College of Radiology (ACR), founded in 1964, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy 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. 

About the Radiological Society of North America
The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is an association of more than 52,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists, promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)