St. Elizabeth Healthcare Marks Milestone in Lung Cancer Screenings
St. Elizabeth Healthcare Celebrates Lung Cancer Screening Milestone
Early detection plays a crucial role in enabling patients to access life-saving treatment options. St. Elizabeth Healthcare has achieved a remarkable milestone, completing over 50,000 low-dose CT lung cancer screenings since its program began in 2013. This initiative has also led to the early-stage identification of 500 patients suffering from stage I lung cancer, presenting these individuals with an opportunity for potentially curative treatments.
The Impact of Early Detection
Dr. Michael Gieske, the Director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at St. Elizabeth, emphasizes the importance of early detection. He states, "When you catch lung cancer in stage I, there's a greater than 90% chance you can cure it with a simple surgical procedure or precisely targeted radiation. That's when you can make the greatest difference." Such early diagnoses significantly enhance treatment efficacy and can save lives.
Lung Cancer Statistics
Lung cancer continues to hold its place as the third most prevalent cancer in the United States and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Many refer to it as a "silent killer" because it often goes unnoticed until advanced stages, making treatment more complicated and costly. However, programs like that at St. Elizabeth are pivotal in reversing this trend.
Success Stories From the Screening Program
St. Elizabeth's lung cancer screening program has positively transformed patient outcomes. Approximately 73% of patients diagnosed through this initiative are found at stage I, while 76% are in stages I or II, both categorized as early and highly treatable stages. Nancy Mueller, the program's 500th stage I diagnosis, is a testament to this success. After a routine annual physical led to a scan revealing a small spot on her lung, she was successfully treated, demonstrating the program's life-saving potential.
Program Excellence and Advancement
The screening program is supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes lung surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists, among others. Offering screenings that last less than 20 minutes, patients are evaluated at one of the seven ACR-accredited St. Elizabeth locations. Since its inception, the program has grown to screen over 8,000 individuals each year, marking a significant increase from its humble beginnings with just seven patients.
A Leader in Lung Cancer Screening
St. Elizabeth Healthcare has worked diligently to improve lung cancer screening rates in Kentucky, a state that previously ranked low in early detection. Their efforts have now made Kentucky a national leader in this vital area. Their mission remains clear: to find lung cancer early, treat it quickly, and ultimately save lives.
Discover More About the Program
If you are interested in learning more about lung cancer screenings, contact the Lung Cancer Screening Nurse Navigators at St. Elizabeth. They are available to provide further information and assist with any inquiries regarding the screening process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of early lung cancer detection?
Early detection can dramatically increase the chances of successful treatment, often leading to a cure for patients diagnosed at stage I.
How many screenings has St. Elizabeth completed?
St. Elizabeth Healthcare has successfully completed over 50,000 lung cancer screenings since 2013, highlighting their commitment to early detection.
What percentage of patients are diagnosed at early stages through this program?
Approximately 73% of patients diagnosed through the St. Elizabeth program are found at stage I, with a total of 76% at stage I or II.
Who is involved in the lung cancer screening program?
The multidisciplinary team includes lung surgeons, radiologists, pulmonologists, and oncologists, providing comprehensive care to patients.
How can I learn more about lung cancer screenings?
Interested individuals can contact the Lung Cancer Screening Nurse Navigators at St. Elizabeth or visit their website for more information.
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