She Magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 | Page 28

McLEOD OFFERS NEW LUNG CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM Dr. Gregory H. Jones I McLeod Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates A diagnosis of cancer of any kind is arguably the most life-changing of any illness. In many cases it can take years off your life, but at the very least always affects the way you live the rest of your life. Whether the treatment is curative or palliative, it creates another axis around which work, special family events, vacations, and just the normal activities of daily living must revolve. When facing such a dangerous threat we can either cower in retreat or fight back. At McLeod, we are allies with patients and their families in their battle against cancer. As has been well documented, lung cancer has the notoriety of being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, actually more than deaths from breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. With long-term survival most probable in the earliest stages of lung cancer, our frustration is with the high numbers of patients presenting with advanced disease. For many years now there have been effective screening exams for the other most common cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon. Early diagnosis before the cancer has spread improves survival. We also now have good evidence from national studies that periodic low-r adiation dose CT scans of the lungs in patients with a significant smoking history leads to early diagnosis and treatment and a resulting lower chance of death. A lung CT scan can detect tiny spots or nodules on the lungs years before they may be seen on a regular chest X-ray. The type of patient to benefit most from this screening CT scan is one between the ages of 55 and 74 with a cumulative smoking history of 30 pack-years or more who continues to smoke or has quit within the past 15 years. At McLeod, we have implemented a Lung Cancer Screening Program that is coordinated by a special Lung Nurse Navigator to guide patients through this screening and get them to the appropriate doctor for treatment. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, individuals should consider a lung cancer screening program if they: • Are between 55 to 74 years of age and have had a 30 or more pack-year history of cigarette smoking (30 pack-year is equivalent to one pack per day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years) • Do not currently exhibit any symptoms of lung cancer • Are currently smoking or have quit smoking within the last 15 years • Are interested in being screened for lung cancer The McLeod Lung Nurse Navigator will contact those interested in the Lung Cancer Screening Program to review their medical history and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Participants in the McLeod Lung Cancer Screening Program will receive: • A low-dose CT scan* • A professional reading and interpretation of findings by a McLeod Radiologist who will either recommend a one-year follow-up or further testing • Free smoking cessation counseling • Results sent to their primary care physician • A letter informing them if their scan was normal or a follow-up call from the Lung Nurse Navigator • Referrals to a pulmonologist or cardiothoracic surgeon if anything of concern is detected on the scan * Please note that CT scans to screen a person without symptoms for lung cancer are not covered by Medicare or most insurance companies. The cost of the screening CT scan is $200. Hopefully over time the overall incidence of lung cancer will decrease further with more people succeeding with smoking cessation and fewer people starting. In the meantime our goal is earlier detection and earlier, more effective, treatment to improve the duration and quality of lives. If you are interested in learning more about the McLeod Lung Cancer Screening Program, please contact McLeod Lung Nurse Navigator Summer Bryant-Cook at (843) 777-5640. Dr. Gregory H. Jones has a special interest in the surgical treatment of lung cancer. His specialties include lung cancer surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery. Dr. Jones received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed residencies in General Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He is a member of the McLeod Cancer Committee and participates on the Cancer Conference Board. Dr. Jones is board certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery. 28 September 2014 shemagazine.com