While there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting cancer — like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating well, limiting alcohol and staying away from tobacco — early detection and annual screenings are also critical.
It’s important to know that if a doctor suggests a screening test, it doesn’t necessarily mean a person has cancer. Screenings especially benefit those who have no cancer symptoms, but whose genetics and/or lifestyle put them at higher risk. Early detection is important because by the time symptoms appear, cancer may have already spread. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. If a screening test result is abnormal, then more tests are needed to find out if cancer is present.
As part of the Community Medical Centers’ network, our cancer program overall cancer program is connected to two of the Valley’s premiere screening programs.
Recognized and accredited by the National Radiology Data Registry — the only program of its kind in the area — we partner with UCSF Fresno to screen for and detect lung cancer as early as possible.
The recommended lung cancer screening uses a type of CT scan called low-dose computed tomography (AKA a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT.) In this test, a more sophisticated X-ray machine scans the chest using low doses of radiation. Lung screening using a LDCT scan is recommended only for people who are at high risk.
Because of our national accreditation, we're able to deliver a comprehensive lung cancer screening program that includes annual screenings, patient education resources as well as enrollment in smoking-cessation programs.
Adults age 55 to 77 years
Who have a 30-year history of smoking a pack a day
Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
Once enrolled, all patients are very carefully followed by the lung cancer screening team throughout their screening period.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please speak with your primary care provider or contact our Lung Cancer Screening Program at (559) 224-LUNG (5864), option 2 or by email at CRMCLungScreening@CommunityMedical.org.