CindyA Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Jun 24, 2014 Contact : Maureen Gillespie, Public Relations Manager (732) 776-4166 mgillespie@meridianhealth.com Jersey Shore launches free Lung Cancer screening process LungAware screening program addresses leading cause of cancer death Neptune, NJ - Jersey Shore University Medical Center is set to launch LungAware, a new free and confidential online lung cancer risk assessment to help assess and identify a person’s potential risk of lung disease and other respiratory conditions. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. Lung cancer accounts for about 14% of all new cancers, and is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. “Lung cancer can be a devastating and deadly form of cancer, but catching lung cancer early can improve survival rates. Meridian’s LungAware provides a convenient and private way for people to assess their risk level and if necessary, obtain free screening and seek early and effective treatment” explains Mark Krasna, M.D., corporate medical director of Meridian Cancer Care. People who smoke, or who have a family history of lung cancer, are encouraged to participate in LungAware. The online assessment includes questions that focus on risk factors such as smoking/second-hand smoke; difficulty breathing; age/gender; weight; chronic cough; environmental hazards; and family history. LungAware helps people recognize any potential problems so they can speak with their physicians, get the treatment they need, and stay active and healthy for years to come. The screening takes just seven minutes, and provides a risk factor report and recommendations for improving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Participants falling in the high risk category of the self-risk assessment will be prompted to obtain a prescription for a free low dose CT scan from their primary care physician or Nurse practitioner and can schedule the quick scan at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Recent studies prove that patients who receive CT scans have a 20% lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those who receive standard chest X-rays. Participants in the lower risk categories will receive a combination of educational material, an invitation to attend an upcoming class or event, and be encouraged to discuss their results with their physician. A number of leading organizations concur on guidelines for lung cancer screening. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the American Cancer Society have recommended screening for high-risk individuals ages 55 to 74 who have smoked a pack or more of cigarettes a day for 30 years or more, and who are still smoking or who quit less than 15 years ago. To sign up online for the LungAware online risk assessment, please visit www.JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com/LungAware. https://www.meridianhealth.com/mh/About ... 021=665738 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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