HMHP launches lung cancer screening program

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Of all of the people diagnosed with lung cancer each year, only one in eight are diagnosed in the early stage.

"The symptoms are really minimal and because of that it usually progresses to the time that people develop symptoms where it is quite advanced," said Dr. Timothy Barreiro with Humility of Mary Health Partners.

In a recent study, one in which nearly 4,000 Humility of Mary Health Partners patients participated, it was determined screening for lung cancer can reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer by 20%. 

Based on the findings, the Humility of Mary Health Partners system is offering the screening to its high risk patients for $95.00.  A grant from HMHP Foundation will cover the remaining $800.00 balance.

"To go through a test you only want to screen high risk individuals if you don't, you end up doing more procedures on people, more anxiety and lead to more harm," said Dr. Barreiro.

High risk patients are those who are between the ages of 55 and 74, who have smoked one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years.  Another group of people, who would be considered high risk are those between the ages of 50 and 74 who've been exposed to environmental or occupational hazards such as asbestos.  Lastly, those who have a family history of lung cancer are also considered high risk.

"If you are a person who undergoes screening and no abnormalities are found we don't want you to get a false sense of security that you are not at risk anymore. The answer is cancer can unfortunately start at anytime," said Dr. Barreiro.

High risk patients with negative scans should be re-screened every one to two years.  If nodules are found, doctors will follow up to determine if they are cancerous.  

Another component to this new program is smoking cessation. Patients will be referred to HMHP's Regional Tobacco Treatment Center.  Dr. Barreiro says anytime a person quits smoking it reduces his or her risk of developing lung cancer.