CindyA Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Low cost cancer screening available to smokers By Cecelia Mason July 23, 2013 · Long time smokers can find out whether they have lung cancer through a screening offered in Berkeley County. Berkeley Medical Center is offering low dose CT screenings. The scan creates a 3D image of the lungs that shows abnormalities. According to a news release, a study called the National Lung Screening Trial shows when heavy smokers get a lung CT scan their risk of dying from cancer is lower. Dr. Eric Bonnem, University Healthcare regional cancer program director, said the Eastern Panhandle has some of the highest lung cancer and smoking rates in the state, which ranks among the highest smoking rates in the country. The CT lung screening is only open to patients who are current or former smokers between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoked at least one pack a day for 30 years and don’t have a history of lung cancer. Patients interested in being screened must get an order from a primary care physician. Dr. Bonnem will provide an order for patients without a primary care physician. The screening clinics are scheduled for Aug. 10 and 24, 2013, from 8 a.m. until noon. The cost is $99 and include interpretation by a radiologist. Anyone wanting to make an appointment can call 304-264-1297. For more information call the Berkeley Medical Center radiology department at 304-264-1211. http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=30932 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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