According to the National Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancer. Lung screenings are available in Tulsa at Hillcrest Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital South, Owasso at Bailey Medical Center, Claremore at Hillcrest Hospital Claremore and Cushing at Hillcrest Hospital Cushing.
Kirsten Cross, clinical coordinator at The Lung Center, says patients are interviewed to determine their eligibility for a lung screening. “They guide them through the program, whether they have positive or negative screening result,” she said.
Cross enjoys being able to help patients through the lung screening process. “The best part is hearing the relief and joy from the patients who have a negative screening. They often tell me that my phone call has made their day! I also love being a part of the multidisciplinary team that cares for the patients that have a positive screening. Working together to provide prompt treatment for these patients is what makes our program stand out from others.”
Patients do not need to do any preparation before their screening; they will be able to eat and drink before the test and there is no IV contrast used for the screening. “If they meet the criteria, the patient is scheduled for a low dose CT scan of the chest at a Hillcrest facility of their choice. The scan itself takes just a few minutes, then the patient is free to go," said Cross. "We will call the patient with their results once they are made available to us. If any further testing is required, we assist the patient with getting scheduled for those appointments and act as advocates for that patient throughout any treatment they may receive.”
"Everyone shares the same vision and support of patient care. The patient is the number one priority and the care provided by the staff is exceptional," said Cross. "Getting the opportunity to truly save people’s lives is my favorite part of what I do. Catching lung cancer early is the key to successful treatment and I get to provide this service to the Hillcrest community.”
Many people have the misconception that only smokers get lung cancer. "Anyone can get lung cancer, although smokers and ex-smokers are at higher risk,” said Cross. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is the cause of 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in the US. To prevent lung cancer, it’s important to quit smoking or to not start smoking. The CDC also recommends avoiding secondhand smoke in order to prevent lung cancer.
To learn more about the Lung Screening Program at Hillcrest, visit www.lungexam.com or call the Lung Center at 918-579-LUNG (5864).