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ALPENA — MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, among other MyMichigan Medical Centers, are offering lung cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 8, according to a MyMichigan Health press release. These screenings are in recognition of National Lung Cancer Screening Day.

MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Midland, Saginaw, Tawas, and West Branch will also offer lung cancer screenings during this time frame.

According to the release, National Lung Cancer Screening Day is meant to reduce stigma and celebrate individuals who get screened for lung cancer, regardless of their smoking history or current smoking status.

“By extending hours, we are increasing access for this life saving screening to allow individuals to be screened without taking time off work during the week,” James Fenton, MyMichigan Health thoracic surgeon, said in the release. “A low dose CT is the single most effective strategy for reducing mortality from lung cancer.”

The release states that lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is estimated to claim the lives of more than 127,000 Americans this year. Though survival rates are improved by screening for lung cancer, only a small percentage of eligible individuals get screened.

“A lung cancer screening is for those who smoke, or have smoked in the past 15 years, but currently don’t have symptoms such as pain, a persistent cough, or an unexplained weight loss,” Fenton said in the release. “This screening is designed to find lung cancer at an early stage when more successful treatments can be offered. Without a screening, most lung cancers are typically discovered at a late stage.”

According to MyMichigan Health, individuals between the ages of 50 and 80, and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, benefit the most from lung cancer screenings. Individuals who have smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day for 40 years, one pack per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years, also benefit from lung cancer screenings.

The release states that those who have met all the requirements, have no acute symptoms, or have not had a CT low dose lung screening within the past year are good candidates, as well.

Those interested in scheduling a low dose CT at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena should call the MyMichigan Access Center (MAC) at (989) 633-5252. Those interested in more information on the comprehensive lung care program at MyMichigan Health may visit mymichigan.org/lung.