Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, killing more Americans each year than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers combined. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 224,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. The good news is that with early detection, the survival rate increases from 15% (stage IV) to as high as 92% (stage I).

Good Samaritan recognizes the importance of early detection of lung cancer. This past year, the hospital introduced the Lung Cancer Screening Program, a multi-disciplinary approach to lung cancer screening and prevention. Good Samaritan has the opportunity to find evidence of lung cancer sooner by offering Low Dose CT (LDCT) lung screenings that have been shown to save numerous lives in high risk populations.

During Tuesday night’s Good Samaritan Board of Governors meeting, Patricia Inyart, Lung Screening Coordinator, shared that because of the screening program, five lung cancers have been found and another 20% of participants with abnormal growths in the lungs are being followed through Good Samaritan’s Pulmonary Clinic. All of these patients and the many others with ‘normal’ scans are taking control of their lung health by using this potentially life-saving program. “We are excited to be a part of an organization who is committed to providing excellence in health and wellness to its community and whose desire it is to promote the best possible means of providing that care,” stated Inyart.

Along with the lung screening program, Good Samaritan uses the latest endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) technology. This ultrasound allows the pulmonologist to obtain tissue or fluid samples from the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes without conventional surgery. This technique not only allows the physician real-time imaging of the surface of the airways, blood vessels, lungs and lymph nodes, but does not require an incision. Patients are able to recover quickly and generally go home the same day as testing.

In addition to the Lung Cancer Screening Program and EBUS technology, Good Samaritan now offers SPiN Thoracic Navigation System by Veran Medical Technologies. This navigational bronchoscopy system aids physicians in the early detection of lung cancer, which is the key to saving patients’ lives. Navigational bronchoscopy allows the physician to go to the actual edges of the lung in order to perform biopsies at this location more accurately and safely without surgery. Both of these tools can be utilized during the same procedure without traditional surgery or incisions and both are key components in providing the patient the safest, most accurate and proven technologies available. The SPiN Thoracic Navigation System is the only system in the world that allows physicians to accurately access small lung lesions via multiple approaches. This assists physicians in detecting lung cancer earlier and without the need for multiple hospital visits for diagnostic procedures.

“We provide our patients with not only the latest technology available but also the best and most skilled professionals who are providing the most comprehensive care right here at home,” said Rob McLin, President and CEO. “Being able to diagnose and treat our patients earlier leads to better patient outcomes, and ultimately, saves more lives.”

Good Samaritan’s Lung Cancer Screening Program is one of only five facilities in the state of Indiana to have both the ACR and LCA designation. Medicare and all private insurance plans cover lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals. To find out more information and to see if you are eligible for the screening, please contact Good Samaritan at 812-885-3638.