In response to the pressing need for accessible lung cancer screenings, MyMichigan Health will offer weekend testing on November 8, 2023, at six locations across mid-Michigan. This initiative coincides with National Lung Cancer Screening Day and aims to provide screenings from 9 a.m. to noon at medical centers in Alma, Alpena, Midland, Saginaw, Tawas, and West Branch.
The extended hours are intended to enhance accessibility for individuals who may struggle to attend during the workweek. Dr. James Fenton, a thoracic surgeon at MyMichigan Health, emphasized the importance of this initiative in a recent statement. “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,” he noted.
Importance of Early Detection
Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with an estimated 127,000 deaths projected in the United States this year alone. Despite the potential for improved survival rates through early screening, only a small percentage of eligible individuals get tested.
The screenings target adults aged 50 to 80 who are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years, provided they have a smoking history equivalent to 20 pack years. This includes those who have smoked at least 10 cigarettes daily for 40 years, one pack daily for 20 years, or two packs daily for 10 years. Candidates must not exhibit acute symptoms like pain or persistent cough and should not have undergone a low-dose CT scan in the past year.
Dr. Fenton further explained the significance of the low-dose CT scan, stating, “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.” Detecting lung cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
