Newswise — AUSTIN/ROUND ROCK, Texas (September 9, 2015) – Scott & White Hospital – Round Rock is now offering low-dose CT scans, with a physician referral, to screen and potentially diagnose lung cancer before symptoms develop.
Qualified candidates are between the ages of 55 and 77 and have smoked the equivalent of one pack per day for 30 years. Current smokers or those who have quit within the last 15 years are eligible. The 2010 National Lung Screening Trial found that smokers who underwent CT scan screenings and received a diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer had about a 20 percent lower risk of death.
Lung cancer causes more deaths than colorectal, breast and prostate cancers combined. About 158,000 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer in 2015, accounting for about 27 percent of cancer deaths
“Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for developing lung cancer,” says Kirk Nolan, MD, section head, pulmonary medicine, Scott & White Hospital – Round Rock. “The more cigarettes you smoke and the earlier you start, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer. Low-dose CT lung screening has been proven to save lives by finding cancer early.”
Individuals must have a referral from a primary care provider to receive the screening. To find a primary care physician in your area, please visit doctors.sw.org.
About Baylor Scott & White HealthBaylor Scott & White Health, the organization formed from the 2013 merger between Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare, is today the largest not-for-profit health care system in the state of Texas. With total assets of $9 billion* and serving a population larger than the state of Virginia, Baylor Scott & White Health has the vision and resources to provide its patients continued quality care while creating a model system for a dramatically changing health care environment. The organization now includes 49 hospitals, more than 800 access points, more than 5,800 active physicians, 35,000 employees and the Scott & White Health Plan. For More Information visit: BaylorScottandWhite.com
* based on unaudited 2014 fiscal year statements
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2015 Baylor Scott & White Health.
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