Pella Regional Health Center has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology.
Dr. Alison Smith says the screening involves a CT scan, which can identify small nodules or other abnormalities in the lungs.
Studies have shown that screening individuals at high risk before symptoms appear can help doctors find lung cancer early when it is easier to treat and more likely to be cured. Smith says while patients are exposed to low levels of radiation during the test, the level is about the same amount of radiation from six months in the natural environment.
Pella Regional Health Center is the only designated Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology in the region.
For more information, go to www.pellahealth.org/lungcancerscreening, or contact Pella Regional’s Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator at lungcancerscreening@pellahealth.org or 641-621-2442. The coordinator will contact patients for additional information and to discuss details of the screening and possible eligibility. The Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator is a constant presence for the patient and family throughout the process in order to:
– Expedite the initial shared decision making appointment to determine possible eligibility with Dr. Gerard Matysik, board-certified pulmonologist or the patient’s Pella Regional provider.
– Coordinate the screening appointment with medical imaging.
– Coordinate any follow up appointments needed in case of an abnormal result.