Cancer Control Month is the perfect time to learn more about Hillcrest’s lung cancer screenings. Lung screenings are available in several Hillcrest facilities, including here at Hillcrest South.
To determine if patients meet the screening criteria, Lindsey Wilson, RN, BSN, patient care coordinator for the lung cancer screening program, asks a few simple questions.
“If patients do meet the criteria, I schedule them for their screening and any follow-ups that may be required,” she says. “I am the one who guides the patient through the program, no matter if they have positive or negative screening results.”
Wilson has been with Hillcrest for seven years and shares she is thankful to be part of a multidisciplinary team that cares for patients.
“Everyone here has the same vision of patient care and supports one another,” she says. “Our number one priority is our patients. I’m thankful to get to provide the service of catching lung cancer early to the Hillcrest community because early detection really is the key to successful treatment. Having the opportunity to save people’s lives is what drives me.”
The initial screening is a simple process for the patient and no preparation is needed beforehand.
“The patient will be able to eat and drink before the test,” Wilson says. “If the patient meets the criteria needed for the lung screening, they are scheduled for a low dose CT scan of the chest at the Hillcrest facility that they choose. This scan only takes a few minutes and afterwards, we will call the patient with their results. If any additional tests are required, we help the patient schedule further appointments.”
While many have the misconception that only smokers get lung cancer, Wilson shares anyone can get lung cancer, although smokers and ex-smokers are at higher risk. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is the cause of 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. To prevent lung cancer, it’s important to quit smoking or to not start smoking. The CDC also recommends avoiding secondhand smoke in order to prevent lung cancer.
To learn more about the lung screening program at Hillcrest, visit www.LungExam.com or call the Lung Center at 918-579-LUNG (5864).