WMMC Provides Lung Cancer Screening Option

Warrensburg, MO (November 7, 2017)—Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is excited to announce that the Diagnostic Imaging Department now offers Low-Dose Lung Computed Tomography (CT) screenings. This is the only recommended screening test for lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths (156,953 per year) and the third most common cancer in the United States. Smoking is the cause of 90% of lung cancer, but incidence of lung cancer in non-smokers is increasing.

Early detection is a proven, successful strategy for fighting many forms of cancer. Low-Dose Lung CT looks for cancer before a person has any symptoms, as most lung cancers do not show symptoms until they are in late-stage. Early detection reduces the lung cancer death rate by 20%.

This screening uses 90% less ionizing radiation than conventional CT scans, meaning that no radiation remains in your body after screening. It is a quick, painless and non-invasive screening option that provides more detailed pictures than chest x-rays.

Qualifying patients must meet all three risk factor criteria: 55 – 80 years old; current or former smoker who quit less than 15 years ago; smoke(s) one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years.

If you meet these qualifications, talk with your primary care provider about this screening option. If you do not have a primary care provider, visit WMMC.com/family to find a provider in your area.

To learn more about this new, life-saving screening option, visit WMMC.com.

Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tara Carlyle
System Director of Communications and Development
(660) 262-7497
tcarlyle@wmmc.com