Parkview Observes National Lung Cancer Screening Day

FORT WAYNE – During the second week of November, the Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute will host a striking educational display.
A pair of giant, inflatable lungs will serve to call attention to National Lung Cancer Screening Day, which takes place on Nov. 14, according to a news release from Parkview.
Parkview Health will support this nationwide awareness and screening effort by offering lung cancer screenings for individuals at risk. The event increases access to screenings by providing more scheduling options for those who find it challenging to book appointments during the week.
Early detection is important. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. – more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. Lung cancer develops quietly, with symptoms typically not appearing until the disease is already advanced. However, there is good news: Studies have shown that lung cancer has a much better survival rate when found at an early stage with lung cancer screening scans.
“Early detection saves lives, and lung cancer screening provides the opportunity to find cancer sooner, when it is often easier to treat,” said Dr. Alan Yahanda, president, Packnett Family Cancer Institute, Parkview Health. “Parkview is making lung cancer screening more accessible, and we encourage candidates to talk with their provider about this potentially life-saving screening.”
Last year, Parkview Health launched a campaign to encourage individuals to schedule routine screenings for lung, breast and other cancers. The campaign, “Show Up For Them,” is grounded in the observation that many people are faithful about showing up to support family members, friends and their community, but they may not care for themselves with the same level of dedication. Getting screened for cancer is an important self-care step that could save a person’s life so they can keep being there for the special people and causes that are dear to them, the release states.
Making screening more convenient, Parkview’s SmartLung CT screening uses a low-dose CT scan to detect lung cancer early on, when it is more treatable. The screening is quick, non-invasive and takes less than 15 minutes.
On Nov. 14, lung cancer screenings will be available at these Parkview facilities across northern Indiana and northwest Ohio:
• Parkview Packnett Family Cancer
• Parkview Hospital Randallia
• Parkview Bryan Hospital
• Parkview DeKalb Hospital
• Parkview Goshen Hospital
• Parkview Huntington Hospital
• Parkview Kosciusko Hospital
• Parkview LaGrange Hospital
• Parkview Logansport Hospital
• Parkview Montpelier Hospital
• Parkview Noble Hospital
• Parkview Wabash Hospital
• Parkview Whitley Hospital
National Lung Cancer Screening Day is open to those who meet certain eligibility criteria:
• Aged 50 to 77
• Current smokers or those who quit within the last 15 years
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years smoked. For example, smoking one pack per day for 20 years equals 20 pack-years.
• Have no current symptoms of lung cancer, such as a bloody cough, persistent cough, unintended weight loss, worsening shortness of breath or fatigue. If symptoms are present, talk with your provider about diagnostic testing instead.
Participants will need a physician’s order to schedule an appointment. The cost of the scan is typically covered by most insurance plans, but anyone who wishes to obtain the scan should verify coverage with their insurance carrier. To ensure all candidates can participate, financial assistance will be available for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
Individuals who do not meet all the criteria but have concerns due to family health history or other factors should talk with their primary care physician.
To schedule an appointment, call 877-225-5747 and request a lung cancer screening appointment at your preferred location. While additional screenings are offered on National Lung Cancer Screening Day, eligible patients can also schedule a SmartLung CT scan on other dates if that is more convenient.
For more information about the SmartLung CT program, visit www.parkview.com/medical-services/cancer/screening-testing/smartlungct-scans.
Learn more about the routine cancer screening tests appropriate for your age, and recommendations on how often to get tested, at ShowUpForThem.com.