Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, accounting for about 20% of all cancer deaths – but there’s hope. Advances in screening, early detection, and treatment are saving more lives than ever before. At WhidbeyHealth, we’re dedicated to helping our community take charge of their lung health through prevention, early diagnosis, and expert care right here at home.

The Power of Early Detection

Lung cancer often develops silently, with few or no symptoms until it’s in an advanced stage. That’s why identifying lung cancer at its earliest – and most treatable – stage is crucial. WhidbeyHealth offers Low-Dose CT Lung Screenings, a safe, quick imaging test that can detect tumors that 80% of chest x-rays don’t reveal. The test itself takes about five minutes and identifies tumors in high-risk patients, while a tumor may still be curable with surgery and has the potential to reduce the number of deaths from cancer in the U.S. by a whopping 20%.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, Medicare will cover lung cancer screening with Low Dose CT once per year for Medicare beneficiaries who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are ages 55-77 and are either current smokers or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
  • Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (an average of one pack a day for 30 years)
  • Receive a written order from a provider that meets certain requirements

Talk to your WhidbeyHealth Primary Care provider to see if a lung screening is right for you.

Comprehensive Care Close to Home

WhidbeyHealth provides a continuum of care for lung and respiratory health, including:

  • Respiratory Therapy to help patients manage chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation to strengthen breathing, improve stamina, and enhance quality of life after illness or surgery.
  • Diagnostic Imaging Services, including CT scans, X-rays, and pulmonary function tests for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
  • Multidisciplinary Care Coordination connecting patients with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists when advanced care is needed.

Prevention and Wellness

The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking – and if you do smoke, it’s never too late to quit. Protecting your lungs also means avoiding exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants whenever possible.

To learn more about lung health services, visit our Diagnostic Imaging page. To schedule a screening, call the Diagnostic Imaging department at (360) 678-7607.

Breathe better. Live stronger. WhidbeyHealth is here to help.