Early Detection Saves Lives
Lung cancer used to be an almost automatic death sentence because it was
often caught too late. Today, that’s beginning to change thanks
to advances in screening and detection that can find lung cancer before
you have symptoms. The earlier this deadly disease is caught, the better
chance that treatment will work.
Lung Cancer Screening
One of the most exciting advances has been the use of low-dose CT scans
to find lung cancer early. Studies have confirmed that this quick, painless
scan can detect lung cancer six times earlier than regular x-rays. In
fact, a recent study showed that screening with low-dose CT can reduce
the risk of dying from lung cancer by 20%.
Medicare and Commercial Insurance Coverage Criteria:
- 55 - 77 years of age (Medicare)
- 55 - 80 years of age (Commercial)
- Minimum 30 pack year history
- Current smoker or has quit smoking within last 15 years
- Asymptomatic
- No lung cancer diagnosis in the past five years
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a lung cancer screening,
call HealthScan at Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg at
540.741.XRAY or
schedulemyscreening@mwhc.com.
Lung Cancer Research Study
Mary Washington Healthcare is also involved in a research study for a new
blood test that may detect lung cancer even sooner. The hospital is currently
recruiting participants to help evaluate this test, which was developed
by researchers at OncoCyte Corporation.
Patients who meet the study’s requirements can participate by having
their blood drawn one time. No other follow-up is required, and all participants
will receive a $25 gift card.
To be eligible for this lung cancer research study, you must:
- Be a current or past smoker over the age of 21
- Have had a lung scan within the last two years
- lung nodules less than or equal to 3 centimeters
- Have newly-diagnosed or stable nodules for at least one year or more
- Have had a CT in the last 90 days
For more information about this study, please call the Mary Washington
Hospital Research & Clinical Trials Department at 540.741.4655 or
email research@mwhc.com.
Tobacco Cessation
The Mary Washington Healthcare Tobacco Treatment Program can help. For
more information, call 540.741.4023. Remember, the best way to avoid lung
cancer is to stop smoking or never start.