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MIDLAND - November is Lung Cancer Awareness month and MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Midland, Saginaw, Standish, Tawas, Towne Centre, and West Branch are offering lung cancer screenings on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon, according to a MyMichigan Health press release.
"The main purpose is to rise above the stigma and celebrate individuals who make the decision to get screened for lung cancer regardless of their smoking history or current smoking status," the release stated.
"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 fellowship-trained thoracic surgeon, said in the release. "A low dose CT is the single most effective strategy for reducing mortality from lung cancer."
Lung cancer is estimated to claim the lives of more than 124,000 Americans this year, the release stated. Even though survival rates can be improved by screening, only a small percentage of eligible individuals get screened for lung cancer.
"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."
Those eligible and who could benefit from lung cancer screening include those aged 50 to 80 years old and are currently a smoker or have quit within the past 15 years, the release stated. Also, those who have been exposed to cigarettes that add up to 20 pack years. For example, someone who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day for 40 years or one pack for 20 years or two packs for 10 years. In addition, those who have met all the requirements and have no acute symptoms or have not had a CT low dose lung screening within the past year are a good candidate.
Those interested in scheduling a low dose CT at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Midland, Saginaw, Tawas, Towne Centre, and West Branch may 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 www.mymichigan.org/lung.