In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Phoebe Cancer Center will be offering 100 free low dose CT screenings in November to men and women who are uninsured and qualify for the LungWatch Screening Program.
The free low dose CT screenings will be provided to the first 100 eligible people are referred and scheduled for screening through the LungWatch program. To be considered for one of the free lung screenings, each applicant must meet the following criteria:
- not had a screening in the last 12 months
- age 50 – 77
- not experiencing any lung problems, (if you are experiencing lung problems, contact your doctor immediately)
- meet appropriate smoking history and/or other specific risk factors (consult your physician or call 229-312-5753)
- uninsured
- not pregnant
- live in one of the following counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell, Tift, Turner and Worth
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among all Americans. For 2022, The American Cancer Society estimates 236,740 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed (117,910 in men and 118,830 in women), and that nearly 130,180 people will lose their battle with the disease. The Phoebe Cancer Center urges people to remember that lung health is a vital part of personal health.
“Lung cancer is a major problem and very difficult to cure if found too late. We don’t want people to wait until they are having problems to take action. If you have ever smoked, you may be at risk for developing lung cancer and may benefit from being screened. When lung cancer is detected early, it is highly curable, sometimes with minimal intervention. That’s why it is important to provide screenings to people in our community and give patients access to reach out to our team directly to determine their eligibility for the LungWatch screening program” said, Adam Jones, MD, of Radiation Oncology Associates and lead physician for the Phoebe LungWatch program.
Lung cancer can go undiagnosed for years without noticeable symptoms. Typically, people may not know they have lung cancer until symptoms appear, and then it is often too late. If detected early, lung cancer can be treated more successfully, potentially prolonging life. Phoebe’s LungWatch is a screening program that assesses risk factors to determine if an individual should be screened regularly for lung cancer.
With the knowledge gathered from screening risk factors, a spiral CT scan may be recommended. This scan can detect nodules on the lungs. If needed, cases are referred to a LungWatch navigator and also presented at the lung tumor conference where a comprehensive team of medical professionals will determine a plan of care. Support groups and social workers are also available.
Talk to your primary care physician about your eligibility for lung cancer screening or call 229-312-5753 to speak with a member of Phoebe’s Cancer Center team.
Original source can be found here.
