News Release

FORT WAYNE – During the first week of November, the Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute will host an educational display. A pair of giant, inflatable lungs will serve to call attention to National Lung Cancer Screening Day, which takes place Saturday, Nov. 8.

Parkview Health is supporting a nationwide awareness and screening effort by offering lung cancer screenings for individuals at risk. The event is intended to increase access to screening by providing more scheduling options for those who find it challenging to book appointments during the week.

Early Detection

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. – more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. Lung cancer develops quietly, with symptoms typically not appearing until the disease is already advanced. However, there is good news: Studies have shown that lung cancer has a much better survival rate when found at an early stage with lung cancer screening scans.

“I can’t overemphasize the importance of lung screening to identify cancers early when they are more easily treated and cured,” said Dr. Alan Yahanda, president, Packnett Family Cancer Institute, Parkview Health. “Parkview has committed to making lung cancer screening easy and convenient with 11 sites open on Saturday, Nov. 8. If you are between the ages of 50 and 77, a current smoker or you quit within the past 15 years, consider getting a life-saving lung cancer screening scan.”

Screening

Parkview’s SmartLung CT screening uses a low-dose CT scan to detect lung cancer early on, when it is more treatable. The screening is quick, non-invasive and takes less than 15 minutes.

On Nov. 8, lung cancer screenings will be available at Parkview facilities across northern Indiana and northwest Ohio, including at:

– Parkview Kosciusko Hospital: 8 a.m. to noon. Walk-ins welcome.

– Parkview Wabash Hospital: 8 a.m. to noon. Walk-ins welcome.

– Parkview Whitley Hospital: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No walk-in appointments available.

National Lung Cancer Screening Day is open to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria:

– Aged 50 to 77

– Current smokers or those who quit within the last 15 years

– Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years smoked.

– Have no current symptoms of lung cancer, such as a bloody cough, persistent cough, unintended weight loss, worsening shortness of breath or fatigue.

The cost of the scan is typically covered by most insurance plans, but anyone who wishes to obtain the scan should verify coverage with their insurance carrier. To ensure all candidates are able to participate, financial assistance will be available for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Individuals who do not meet all the criteria but have concerns that they should consider a SmartLung CT should talk with their primary care physician.

To schedule an appointment, call 877-225-5747 and request a National Lung Cancer Screening Day appointment at your preferred location. Information on hours can also be found at parkview.com/classes-and-events/results?keywords=lung.

For more information about the SmartLung CT program, visit parkview.com/medical-services/cancer/screening-testing/smartlungct-scans.

Learn more about the routine cancer screening tests appropriate for your age, and recommendations on how often to get tested, at ShowUpForThem.com.