9 March 2023of such a difficult time in my life is that I now see patient care from a whole new perspective. I keep that perspective in mind throughout my work with patients.At WHS, we're on a mission to improve the outlook for people who are at high risk for lung cancer. Because the early stages of lung cancer are often symptomless, the low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans can help diagnose those who fall in that high-risk category. And it's been a success. Program qualifications include those who currently smoke or have stopped smoking within the last fifteen years, are between the ages of 50-77 and have smoked for 20 pack years. A pack year is smoking one pack (or 20 cigarettes) per day or the equivalent. For example, smoking two packs a day for ten years is also equivalent to 20 pack years. This includes those who have since quit.As with other cancers, early screening can save lives. According to the National Lung Screening Trial, there was a 20% decrease in lung cancer deaths when patients were screened with a low-dose CT scan than with an x-ray. Early lung cancer detection makes a significant difference in prognosis. Cancer that is caught in later stages is much more difficult to treat and less successful.Lung cancer CT screening has been available for some time, but insurance companies have only recently been covering it. Though this kind of program is not offered at all health care systems, we are seeing it offered more and more. The facility must be able and willing to offer this service to the community. Because of the success of the screening trials, and with the approval of the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, most health insurance companies are now covering the cost of the scans for those who are considered high-risk.I always urge patients who are concerned about their risk of lung cancer to discuss preventative lung cancer screenings with their primary care physician. Your doctor can determine whether you meet the criteria for screening and guide you from there. Our program utilizes the expertise of a Lung Cancer Screening Navigator. After a patient schedules an appointment, the navigator will contact the patient for more information about their risk criteria and to answer any questions. They remain the point of contact for patients in the program, acting as a resource for more information and coordinating care. We find that this makes the process for the patients smoother and less intimidating. For some patients, the fear of cancer can sometimes prevent them to even pursue screening. With our navigator, we can offer patients the support they need. Once the scan has been completed, it is submitted to me for review. Higher risk patients and those with suspicious findings on the scans are reviewed jointly by the Lung Cancer Screening Program physicians, which includes pulmonologists, radiologists, a thoracic surgeon, and oncologists, to make informed and collaborative decisions for recommendations regarding the next steps in care. Options can include further CT scans, PET scans or referrals to specialists. Once accepted into the Lung Cancer Screening Program, patients qualify to receive yearly screening CT scans. Thankfully, many of our screened patients don't show evidence of cancer. But it can often be the push they need to quit smoking. As part of the program, we offer our patients resources for smoking cessation. The program truly supports all aspects of lung cancer risk, from screening to support. I encourage you to consider a similar screening program. Every early diagnosis is an improved chance for successful treatment. It was for me.Information about the WHS lung screening program can be found on our website at whs.org/lungscreening. As the early stages of lung cancer are often symptomless, low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans can help diagnose those who fall in that high-risk category. And it's been a success
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