rovidence Imaging Center is committed to lung cancer awareness and screening because lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Alaska. According to the American Lung Association it accounts for 25 percent of cancer-related deaths—more than breast, pancreatic, and colon cancers combined. “Lung cancer is not the most common cancer, but it is taking more lives because it’s often found late,” says Jean Dore, RN, BSN, Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator.

Forty-six percent of lung cancer cases nationwide are not discovered until a late stage, when the survival rate is only 6 percent. The good news: Finding lung cancer early—before symptoms arise—makes treatment and cure possible. Detecting lung cancer in its initial stages can decrease mortality by at least 20 percent in high-risk populations and increase the five-year survival rate to 60 percent.

An estimated 8 million Americans qualify as high-risk because they smoke or used to smoke cigarettes. However, only 5 percent of eligible, high-risk individuals are getting screened for lung cancer, which is why Dore is staunchly committed to educating the public about the importance of screening. “The more eligible people who are screened, the more lives we can save,” she says.

To qualify for lung cancer screening, the patient must meet all the following criteria:

• Must be age 50-80; age 50-77 if covered by Medicare
• Currently smoke, or quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Symptom free
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (determined by medical provider)
• Complete a shared decision-making visit with your medical provider

The screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan that only takes a few minutes for patients to complete. Using minimal radiation, the scanner creates images that can indicate abnormal areas that may be cancer. Lung cancer screening is recommended annually for all eligible individuals, and the test is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance with pre-authorization.

A diagnostic evaluation is needed instead of a screening, Dore adds, if someone already has symptoms, such as a cough that worsens or won’t go away, unexplained weight loss, unexplained shortness of breath, constant fatigue, or coughing up blood.

“Our goal is to educate Alaskans so as many high-risk individuals as possible can meet with their medical providers to see if they qualify for this life- saving scan,” Dore explains. “At Providence Imaging Center we’re committed to seeing the dignity of every individual who walks through our doors, especially the poor and vulnerable. The Sisters who opened the first Providence Hospital have left us a legacy of caring, compassion, and easing the way of each and every person. That’s what guides us every day.”

“If you are a smoker or have been a smoker,” Dore emphasizes, “please talk to your medical provider about lung cancer screening. Get screened for the ones who care about you and for your own peace of mind.”