Carson Tahoe Health launches lung cancer screening program

Lung cancer is ranked among the top three health issues in Northern Nevada according to the latest community health needs assessments. As the number of individuals suffering with lung disease continues to escalate, the challenges of early diagnosis and treatment are more critical than ever before.

Carson Tahoe Health (CTH) has unvieled a new comprehensive lung cancer screening program as a community-driven initiative designed to detect and treat early stage lung disease, when it’s more treatable. The cornerstone of the new program includes improved community awareness and access to low-dose CT lung screenings for individuals at high risk, as well as, the multidisciplinary collaboration with board certified radiologists, pulmonologists, and the patient’s primary care physician.

“As with other forms of cancer, early detection is the best protection against lung cancer,” said Michelle Joy, chief operating officer with Carson Tahoe Health. “We are committed to educating and encouraging those in our community who are at high risk of developing the disease to take charge of their health through preventative steps, such as following screening guidelines based on their individual circumstances and needs.”

Research from the National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found screening with low-dose CT lung scans reduces lung cancer mortality by 20 percent. CTH for years has been offering low-dose CT lung screenings, and continues to provide this lifesaving service designed for patients who meet the following NLST criteria:

Age 55-75 with no history of lung cancer or cancerous symptoms; current smoker; former smoker with 30 pack/year history who has quit within the last 15 years; exposure to secondhand smoke; exposure to radon or asbestos.

In addition to receiving low-dose CT lung scans, the latest research shows lung cancer patients benefit significantly from multidisciplinary collaboration with their care providers, from screening to detection, treatment and aftercare.

For more information, go to www.CarsonTahoe.com/CT-Scan. To schedule an appointment and/or to confirm eligibility, call (775) 445-5500.