“Statistically around 237,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year,” said Dr. Tammy Gleeson, a Thoracic Surgeon at Southcoast Health. “Early detection is crucial for effectively treating lung cancer in its early stages and events like this play an important role encouraging patients be proactive when it comes to their health.”

Of the 50 event attendees screened, 28 qualified for further screening and were scheduled for a CT scan. Southcoast Health established a comprehensive open Lung Cancer Screening Program in 2019. This year the program is on track to double the amount of screenings performed in 2019 providing this service to more than 2,600 high-risk individuals in 2023.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This disease does not always present symptoms in the early stages and the national average survival rate is just 25 percent. Early detection is vital to the fight against lung cancer, with research showing that the early-stage survival rate is much higher at 61 percent.

Preventative screenings are recommended for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Age 50-80
• Smoking history of equal to or greater than 20 pack-years
• Is an ex-smoker and quit within the last 15 years
• No chest CT exam within the past year

Identifying lung cancer earlier can help expand treatment options including surgery with advanced technology such as the Ion Endoluminal System at Southcoast Health, which can help diagnose and treat lung cancer during the same procedure.

“With cancer center locations in Fall River and Fairhaven, it is our privilege to be able to provide our community with this opportunity to learn about and take proactive measures with their lung health,” said Kathy Moraes, Director of Medical Oncology at Southcoast Health. “Events like this help us save lives in our community. I am so proud of our team for putting this event together and we had an amazing turnout.”

To request more information about our Screening Program, please call 508-973-7579, email CTLungScreening@southcoast.org or speak with your primary care provider.

To learn more about lung cancer prevention and treatment please visit Lung Cancer Treatment MA & RI | Southcoast Health.