SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon will offer a limited number of free lung cancer screenings on Saturday, November 14th, as part of National Lung Screening Day.
The hospital will provide free low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for up to 12 eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals, thanks to a grant from the American Lung Association.
The initiative is designed to increase access to potentially life-saving screenings for individuals who might otherwise delay medical care because of financial concerns.
Gayla Hall, a registered nurse and Clinical Trial Coordinator for SSM Health in Southern Illinois, says low-dose CT screenings have made a significant difference in detecting lung cancer earlier.
“We’ve seen an increase in patients being diagnosed at earlier stages of lung cancer which significantly improves survival rates and quality of life,” Hall said.
SSM Health has offered low-dose CT lung cancer screenings in Southern Illinois for several years, initially participating in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program, a clinical trial that helped establish the effectiveness of lung cancer screening. Medicare began covering the screenings in 2015, allowing the hospital to formally launch its regional program.
The hospital has also established a multidisciplinary review process to help patients with concerning screening results receive follow-up care more quickly.
Patients whose scans receive a Lung-RADS score of four are evaluated by a team of cardiothoracic surgeons, pulmonologists and radiologists who work together to determine appropriate next steps.
Hall says the collaborative approach helps reduce delays between abnormal imaging results, diagnosis and treatment when necessary.
The screening procedure is simple and painless, with the entire appointment typically taking less than 30 minutes. The CT scan itself takes approximately five to ten minutes and does not require intravenous contrast.
Before undergoing the screening, patients will meet with Nocole Abenes, APRN-CNP, for a consultation to confirm eligibility, review smoking history and discuss possible follow-up care.
Appointments are required, and only 12 free screenings are available.
Eligible individuals interested in participating should contact Karen Kelley, RN, at (618) 899-1894 to schedule an appointment.
The screenings will take place Saturday, November 14, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.