2012 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             

Contacts: 
Andrew Wineke
Centura Health
Manager, Strategic Communications
303-804-8222 (desk) 303-204-4990 (cell)
AndrewWineke@centura.org

Implementation of new Colorado Healthy Lung Screening Program promises increased odds of survival for high risk individuals.

ENGLEWOOD, CO (September 20, 2012) – The Centura Health Cancer Network recently implemented a new screening program aimed at early lung cancer detection.  The Colorado Healthy Lung Program consists of an initial screening to determine patient eligibility as well as subsequent yearly low-dose CT scans for a three year period to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages. 

This program highlights Centura Health’s commitment to providing the best in medical care, and nurturing a healthier and brighter future for Colorado.  In keeping with the mission of Centura Health and its affiliates, this new initiative will better protect those high risk patients and ensure they receive the care they need without undergoing unnecessary testing and procedures.

PROGRAM DETAILS:

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has established guidelines to screen for high risk individuals.  If you are 55 to 74 years of age and have smoked a pack of cigarettes for 30 years or more, are currently smoking or have quit less than 15 years ago, you would be classified at high risk.  Other individuals may qualify based on factors including various combinations of age, smoking history and family medical history.
• Screening involves looking into other risk factors including: some limited smoking history under a 20-year pack history; radon exposure; occupational exposure to silica, cadmium, asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, diesel fumes and nickel; and/or a family history of lung cancer and lung disease, including COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
• Colorado Healthy Lung Program will communicate screening results with the patient’s Primary Care Physician, ensuring the appropriate follow up care is provided.
• These scans can be completed at three locations: St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver or Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs.  The cost of each scan is $199.
• For more information about program details, or if you have any of the stated risk factors, visit www.centura.org/healthylung.

FACTS AND STATS:

• Lung Cancer is the largest single cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
• It has been estimated that active smoking is responsible for close to 90 percent of lung cancer cases.
• Nonsmokers have a 20-30 percent greater chance of developing lung cancer if they are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work.
• The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking. If you currently smoke, ask your health care provider to assist you in finding resources to help you quit smoking.  Also limit exposure to secondhand smoke, asbestos, and pollutants.
• Having a low-dose CT of the chest in patients at high risk for developing lung cancer reduced their mortality by 20%.

QUOTES:

• “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with more than 94 million current or former smokers at elevated risk,” said Linda Ferris, Ph.D., service line director, Centura Health Cancer Network. “As the state’s largest health care provider, we can positively impact the health of the communities we serve with this early lung detection screening program.”
• “There has long been interest in the possibility of finding lung cancers early and at a point where they can be treated and cured.” said Matthew Blum, MD, a thoracic surgeon at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs.” The Colorado Healthy Lung Screening program uses the techniques from the National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial that were shown to decrease deaths from lung cancer to give patients the best possible chance of surviving lung cancer and leading long and healthy lives.”

INTERVIEWS:

To arrange interviews, contact Andrew Wineke, Manager, Strategic Communications, Centura Health, 303-804-8222 or AndrewWineke@centura.org.
 
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About Centura Health Cancer Network

Centura Health’s integrative approach to fighting cancer brings together conventional tools such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy with complementary therapies including nutritional support, mind-body medicine, physical therapy, pain management and spiritual support. Our comprehensive statewide cancer network brings together the best and brightest minds in cancer care, armed with leading edge technologies and capabilities that offer a complete array of services, connecting patients with all types of cancers and blood disorders to the most advanced care available in Colorado. In addition, our four accredited cancer centers share their expertise and resources to improve cancer care.  For information on Centura Health Cancer Network or any of our facilities, please visit www.centura.org.

About Centura Health

Centura Health, Colorado’s health care leader, is focused on connecting Coloradans to affordable, world-class care in every corner of the state. Centura Health’s integrated statewide network includes 13 hospitals, seven senior living communities, medical clinics, affiliated partner hospitals, Flight For Life® Colorado, and home care and hospice services. Approximately 15,100 of the best hearts and minds in medicine, along with 6,000 physician partners, have access to the most technologically advanced tools available. For Coloradans, this means the top expertise and technology is right where you need it – close to where you are. We reach beyond hospital walls to connect with people at every stage of life to bring them life-enriching compassion and life-affirming hope; Connections that only Centura Health can make. For information on Centura Health or any of the facilities in our network, please visit www.centura.org.