By: Joan Stewart, RT(T), BA HCA Clinical Services Project Coordinator, TCCC

In May 2013, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center (TCCC) became the first clinic in Southeastern WA to offer low dose CT (LDCT) based lung cancer screening. Since then, TCCC has screened over 750 patients, making our program the largest published community-based screening program in the United States. TCCC’s program is offered for a low cost fee of only $50 to cover a radiologist review of the scan. All positive findings are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team at our Thoracic Center of Excellence. All active smokers who presented for screening are encouraged to attend our free quit tobacco program.

A clinical trial in 2011 showed patients who underwent this screening had a 20% reduction in mortality from lung cancer. This may not sound like a lot, but remember that lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in the entire world. Reducing lung cancer deaths by 20% has as much impact as eliminating every death from prostate cancer.

If you know someone who is age 55-80 with a significant smoking history, have them call to see if they qualify for a LDCT.
It can literally save their life! For more information call 509-737-3405.