Lung Cancer Screenings Offered in Alma, Alpena Midland, West Branch Nov. 9

In recognition of National Lung Cancer Screening Day, MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Midland and West Branch is extending its hours and offering lung cancer screenings on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon. National Lung Cancer Screening Day was established to raise awareness of early cancer detection through screening, as well as to rise above the stigma and celebrate individuals who make the decision to get screened for lung cancer regardless of their smoking history or current smoking status.

“By extending hours, we are increasing access for this life saving screening to allow individuals to be screened without taking time off work during the week,” said James Fenton, M.D., board-certified, fellowship-trained thoracic surgeon, MyMichigan Health. “A low dose CT is the single most effective strategy for reducing mortality from lung cancer.”

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is estimated to claim the lives of over 127,000 Americans this year. Even though survival rates can be improved significantly by screening, only a small percentage of eligible individuals get screened for lung cancer.

“A lung cancer screening is for those who smoke, or have smoked in the past 15 year, but currently don’t have symptoms such as pain, a persistent cough or an unexplained weight loss,” added Dr. Fenton. “This screening is designed to find lung cancer at an early stage when more successful treatments can be offered. Without a screening, most lung cancers are typically discovered at a late stage.”

Those eligible and who could benefit from lung cancer screening include those age 50 to 80 years old and currently a smoker or have quit within the past 15 years. Also, those who have been exposure to cigarettes that add up to 20 pack years. For example, someone who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day for 40 years or one pack for 20 years or two packs for 10 years. In addition, those who have met all the requirements and have no acute symptoms or have not had a CT low dose lung screening within the past year are a good candidate.

Those interested in participating in a screening must first complete an online risk assessment at www.shouldiscreen.com. If the online tool indicates screening eligibility, a low dose CT scan can be scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 9, between 9 a.m. and noon, at MyMichigan Medical Centers Alpena, Alma, Midland or West Branch. Scheduling can then be made by calling the MyMichigan Health Central Scheduling Department at (989) 633-5252 or toll-free at (888) 367-2778.