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.