Pre-screenings for lung cancer program slated at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Center for Cancer Care to offer free pre-screenings for its Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., will offer free pre-screenings Dec. 16 for its Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program.

This event is part of Griffin’s commitment to help improve the health and well-being of its community. 

According to the 2019-20 Community Health Improvement Plan for the Naugatuck Valley, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the Valley and the rate of lung cancer death is higher than the state average.

Annual lung screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) has been shown to save lives by detecting lung cancer early, when it is more treatable. 

This screening program is recommended for individuals ages 55-77 who have smoked at least an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years. This includes people who still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. 

Those who currently have symptoms of a lung condition, such as a new cough or shortness of breath, are not eligible. 

Griffin recommends that individuals with lung condition symptoms see a physician as soon as possible.

The pre-screening will be conducted over the phone and participants will be directly referred to a physician specializing in lung cancer if they are a candidate for the program. 

Low dose CT lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies.

Spaces are limited. 

Call 203-732-1280 to make an appointment for the pre-screening phone call or for more information.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.