Valley Medical Center’s Cancer Services has been approved for a $25,000 award from the Whedon Cancer Detection Foundation to provide free CT screening for lung cancer to low income patients. Whedon Cancer Detection Foundation selected this study because it will provide a vital asset to the large community we serve. Whedon Cancer Detection Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Dr. Earl Whedon in 1951 whose primary goal is to support the early detection of cancer.
Screening is key to early detection–when lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage it is more likely to be curable. So, who is a good candidate for lung cancer screening?
Patients who meet the three criteria below are considered at “high risk” for developing lung cancer and a screening is recommended:
- 55-80 years of age
- 30 pack-year history (this means 1 pack a day for 30 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, etc.)
- Currently smokes OR has quit within the last 15 years
Think you may qualify? Talk to your primary care provider about referring you for lung cancer screening.
Financial assistance for lung cancer screening is available for a limited number of patients through the Whedon Cancer Detection Foundation grant. For more information, please call 425.656.4232.
My insurance says, because I was born in ,,1944 and not 1945 they do not cover screening? My mother died of lung cancer at this age. She was not a smoker. I am an ex smoker.
Hi Shirlee,
Simi, our Oncology Financial Coordinator can help answer your questions. She can be reached at 425.228.3440 ex. 5350.