Owensboro Health and the Kentucky Cancer Program are hosting a series of “Love Your Lungs” events across the health system this month. In addition to offering insights into prevention and tobacco cessation, the organizations are promoting the latest advancements in lung cancer screening and encouraging current and former smokers to get screened.
“Our goal is to reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer,” said Jamie Daniel, cancer control specialist with KCP. “Lung cancer now has a screening, and our goal is to inform those that are eligible that they should be screened.”
Daniel said one main focus is helping people who want to stop smoking.
“We are so excited that this screening is getting traction and that people are interested in becoming nonsmokers,” she said. “They know that they’d be better off as a nonsmoker, and smoking is the number one preventable cause of cancer in general, specifically lung cancer.”
Ashley Shemwell, nurse navigator for lung cancer screening, said the turnout at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital on Thursday was encouraging.
“We’re trying to bring awareness to our community,” she said. “We’ve had over 100 people come out. The response gets better every year with a lot of people engaging and ask questions.”
Shemwell said OH offers lung cancer screenings from age 50-80 for current or former smokers. There is a self-pay rate of $99, but Shemwell said screenings are covered by most insurance. People may also qualify for grants if they do not have insurance.
“There is absolutely no reason not to get screened,” Shemwell said. “We try to decrease those barriers.”
Learn more about how to schedule a screening here.
A central feature of each “Love Your Lungs” event is a 6-foot-tall inflatable lung display, courtesy of KCP, which visually demonstrates the effects of COVID-19, cancer, pneumonia, and bronchitis on lung tissue.
Additionally, Owensboro Health is showcasing its state-of-the-art Ion robotic bronchoscopy technology at select events, offering a close look at minimally invasive lung care that aids in early cancer detection.
Attendees can interact with Owensboro Health’s respiratory therapists, tobacco treatment specialists, and various clinical experts. Additional offerings include oxygen screenings, radon testing kits, COPD information, a cancer screening checklist, and educational resources.
