One scan could extend your life span.

In order to combat against the increasing prevalence of lung cancer in our community, the Radiology department at Madison County Hospital recently unveiled plans to offer a lung cancer screening program for area residents.

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that approximately 224,210 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2014 and lung cancer will account for about 27% of all cancer deaths.  It was also identified in the 2013 Madison County Community Health Needs Assessment that the lung cancer rate for Madison County is well above the rate for the state of Ohio.

"Early detection of lung cancer when the tumor is small is one of the keys to a good prognosis after diagnosis," said Dr. Mitchell Brack, Medical Director of Radiology at MCH.  "Screening CT can detect small tumors earlier than a chest x-ray."

The lung cancer screening program at MCH consists of a low-dose CT scan of an individual’s chest.  The term “low-dose” is applied because the amount of radiation used during the screening is lower than that of a traditional scan.  The CT scan does not require intravenous contrast and allows for imaging in multiple planes.

Even though non-smokers have the potential to be diagnosed with lung cancer, tobacco use by smokers continues to be the most common contributor to the disease.  For this reason, to qualify for the lung cancer screening program, individuals must be:

·         A current or former smoker

·        and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack years (one pack per day for 30 years, two packs per day for 15 years, etc.)

·        and be 55 to 74 years of age

CT screening for lung cancer is currently not covered by most health insurance; however, MCH recognizes the potential impact on the community and offers the service at a discounted rate of $99, due at the time of screening.

"We are excited to be able to provide this potentially life-saving service to our residents and fulfill a community need," said Maria Lee, Director of Radiology at MCH.  "We are equipped with advanced medical imaging technology and lung cancer screenings are another service that will positively impact the community."

If you or someone you know could benefit from the lung cancer screening program, please ask your family physician.  The Radiology department at MCH can also assist in determining if a CT lung screening is appropriate.

For more information, Please contact the Radiology department at MCH at 740-845-7220.