A new service available at University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center offers longtime smokers the opportunity to undergo a lung screening that research shows can help detect cancer earlier.
Low dose CT lung screenings for lung cancer will be offered at a discounted rate beginning in August. The first screening clinic is scheduled for Saturday, August 10 from 8 a.m. until noon in the radiology department at Berkeley Medical Center. The exam is $99 and includes the CT Screening with interpretation by a radiologist. Another screening clinic is scheduled for August 24.
“The scan takes only a few minutes and no medications are necessary,” says Selwyn Persad, radiology manager. During the exam, spiral CT scans create 3-D images by rotating the scanner around the body to check for abnormalities in the lungs. Patients are permitted to eat before and after the exam. “We are pleased to offer this potentially life-saving service here in the Eastern Panhandle,” Persad says.
A major study of heavy smokers, called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), compared lung CT scans and chest x-rays and found that getting a lung CT scan lowered the risk of dying of lung cancer. The trial involved 50,000 current and former heavy smokers – people who smoked the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years – ages 55 to 74.
“West Virginia has among the highest smoking rates in the country, and the Eastern Panhandle has among the highest lung cancer and smoking rates in the state,” said Eric Bonnem, MD, hematologist/oncologist with University Healthcare Physicians (UHP) and medical director of the University Healthcare Regional Cancer Program. “It’s important for people to realize that regardless of how long they have smoked, quitting still provides immediate and measureable health benefits,” he added.
The CT lung screening is only open to patients who meet certain criteria – current or former smoker, age 55 – 74, smoking history of at last one pack a day for 30 years, and no history of lung cancer. The screening is a decision that should be made in consultation with a physician. Patients must obtain an order for the lung screen from a primary care physician. Dr. Bonnem will provide an order for patients without a primary care physician.
An appointment is required for the discounted CT lung screening. The $99 fee may be paid by cash, check or credit card. Insurance will not be billed. For an appointment, phone 304.264.1297. For more information about the screening clinic, contact the radiology department at Berkeley Medical Center at 304.264.1211.
