Lung Cancer Screening

Cancer Care

The UMC Cancer Center continues to advance cancer care with a new lung cancer screening program that will improve the early detection and treatment of lung cancer in our region.

How do I know if I should be screened?

Currently, lung cancer screening is recommended for those between the ages of 55 and 80 who have a smoking history of 30 years or more (an average of one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.) and are current smokers or have quit in the last 15 years.

How does it work?

We use a low-dose helical CT scan, which utilizes X-rays to obtain a multiple-image scan of the entire chest. These scans are able to detect lung cancer during the early stages, which makes it more treatable. As a result, there is now a 1 in 5 chance of NOT dying from lung cancer--a number that was not possible before.

Smoking Cessation Program

Because the treatment of lung cancer is futile if you continue to smoke, this new screening program is closely tied to a smoking cessation program. This program includes:

Increasing participants' motivation to quit smoking
Learning effective approaches for quitting
Therapy groups
UMC psychologists trained to assist patients' quitting efforts

Before your screening appointment:

Be aware of any pre-appointment restriction.
Write any symptoms you are experiencing (even those that seem unrelated).
Make a list of all medications, supplements or vitamins you are taking.
Write down key personal information including stresses or recent life changes.

How to schedule an appointment:

Call 806.775.8293

Lung Center of Excellence

In 2018, the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ACLF) awarded the UMC Cancer Center a designated community hospital Center of Excellence for lung cancer treatment. The ACLF Centers of Excellence award recognizes hospitals for their multidisciplinary and patient-centered care. This means we offer timely screening, a wide range of treatment options, catered to each individual, and mental and emotional treatment, as needed.

The multidisciplinary care that led to this designation includes:

Early screening and follow-up programs
Tumor genetic testing to formulate an effective treatment plan
Minimally-invasive testing and treatment options
Access to new targeted therapies and immunotherapies
Access to clinical trials
In-depth patient education and support, including psychosocial and nutritional support