Medina Memorial offering lung cancer screenings

MEDINA – In recognition of November as National Lung Cancer Month, Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital are emphasizing the importance of early lung cancer detection throughout the month.

As part of the observance, the hospital is raising awareness about the critical role of low-dose CT scans in detecting lung cancer early when treatment is most effective.

Lunch cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but when diagnosed early, it is more treatable and survival rates significantly improve, according information from the hospital.

With Lung Cancer Awareness Month in full swing, Medina Memorial Hospital is urging individuals who are at high risk of lung cancer to consider screening with low-dose CT, an advanced imaging tool that can detect potential issues before symptoms appear.

Those who should consider lung cancer screening are individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who meet the following criteria:

• Age 50 to 80 years
• Asymptomatic (no current symptoms of lung cancer)
• Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year).
• Current smoker or someone who has quit within the last 15 years

For those who meet these criteria, low-dose CT scans could be a life-saving tool in detecting lung cancer early. These scans are non-invasive, quick and highly effective at identifying lung cancers before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention and better treatment outcomes.

Medina Memorial hospital is proud to offer low-dose CT screenings for eligible patients. Unlike traditional chest X-rays, LDCT uses lower levels of radiation and is more sensitive in detecting early-stage lung cancers. Since lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, screening through LDCT provides an invaluable opportunity for earlier diagnosis, leading to more treatment options and better survival rates.

“Lung cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when it is more difficult to treat, but LDCT screening allows us to catch it early, before patients even notice symptoms,” said Erica Chutko, director of imaging services at Orleans Community Health. “This can make all the difference in a patient’s prognosis. As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to know that early detection through screening is key, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.”

For individuals who meet the screening criteria, Medina Memorial Hospital offers convenient, accessible lung cancer services with LDCT. To determine eligibility for screening, individuals should speak with their primary care provider, who can provide a referral and guide them through the screening process.

“We urge our community members to reach out, especially if they have a history of smoking,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health. “Taking proactive steps now can save lives later.”

Medina Memorial Hospital is committed to raising awareness about lung cancer and the importance of early detection throughout the entire month of November. Together, we can encourage at-risk individuals to take action, learn about available screening options and ultimately reduce the impact of lung cancer in our community, Robinson added.