Supporting Health Literacy Community-Wide, Carson Tahoe Launches Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Screening Program

As a community-driven initiative, the new program raises awareness of lifesaving lung screenings for early detection, improves access to multidisciplinary collaboration with acclaimed experts, and provides the highest level of comprehensive care.

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and it is ranked among the top three health issues in Northern Nevada according to the latest community health needs assessments. As the number of individuals suffering with lung disease continues to escalate, the challenges of early diagnosis and treatment are more critical than ever before.

Carson Tahoe Health (CTH) is pleased to announce its new comprehensive lung cancer screening program as a community-driven initiative designed to detect and treat early stage lung disease, when it is more treatable. The cornerstone of the new program includes improved community awareness and access to low-dose CT lung screenings for individuals at high risk, as well as, the multidisciplinary collaboration with board certified radiologists, pulmonologists, and the patient’s primary care physician.

“As with other forms of cancer, early detection is the best protection against lung cancer,” said Michelle Joy, Chief Operating Officer with Carson Tahoe Health. “We are committed to educating and encouraging those in our community who are at high risk of developing the disease to take charge of their health through preventative steps, such as following screening guidelines based on their individual circumstances and needs.”

Research from the National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found that screening with low-dose CT lung scans reduces lung cancer mortality by 20 percent. CTH for years has been offering low-dose CT lung screenings, and continues to provide this lifesaving service designed for patients who meet the following NLST criteria:
•    Age 55-75 with no history of lung cancer or cancerous symptoms
•    Current smoker
•    Former smoker with 30 pack/year history who has quit within the last 15 years
•    Exposure to secondhand smoke
•    Exposure to radon or asbestos

Individuals who meet the criteria above can qualify for a low-dose CT lung screening at Carson Tahoe for only $149. To schedule an appointment and/or to confirm eligibility, call (775) 445-5500.

In addition to receiving low-dose CT lung scans, the latest research shows that lung cancer patients benefit significantly from multidisciplinary collaboration with their care providers, from screening to detection, treatment and aftercare.

“Our highly coordinated, patient-centered approach helps ensure there are no gaps or delays in treatment, and brings together the skills, knowledge and compassion of our multidisciplinary team of experts,” said Michelle Joy. “This provides patients with ease of access to all the specialties needed to receive the most comprehensive and personalized program of care.”

Additional services offered through CTH’s comprehensive lung cancer screening program include:
•    State-of-the-art diagnostic technologies, including superDimension® Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB), can be performed as a follow-up test to a low-dose CT scan, if needed
•    Smoking cessation classes
•    Leading-edge lung cancer treatments
•    Lung cancer education, resources, support groups, and more

For more information, go to www.CarsonTahoe.com/CT-Scan