FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2014

CONTACT: Blanca Andrade (626) 458-4787

Alhambra Hospital Medical Center brings awareness to Lung
Cancer in the Asian Community - offers Low Dose CT Lung Cancer
Screening


Lung Cancer is a devastating disease. It causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined (colon, breast and pancreatic). This year, it will claim almost 160,000 lives, accounting for approximately 27 percent of all cancer deaths. This deadly disease affects us close to home, because it is more prevalent in the Asian communities. It is more important than ever to detect lung cancer early and to bring more awareness to this deadly disease.

It is now easier with the low dose CT Lung Cancer Screening with which we can begin to spot the beginnings of this deadly disease in high risk patients. In fact, studies show that early detection from screening can lower the risk of death from lung cancer by 20 percent in people who are at high risk.

Alhambra Hospital Medical Center is offering low-dose CT (LDCT) screening to people who are at a high risk for lung cancer.

"Before low dose CT lung screening, many high risk patients discovered they had lung cancer at more advanced stages. It goes without saying that a cancer found in later stages is more difficult to cure," said radiologist James Lin, MD, Director of Radiology. He added, ""LDCT now give us a great tool to detect lung cancers early in high risk individuals at a stage that gives us better outcomes."

"Low-dose CT screening can help save lives," said Joseph Kuei, MD, Pulmonologist and Chairman of the Governing Board. He added "If we can catch the cancer early, the patient has a better chance of survival or even a cure."

Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening is for people who are at a high risk to develop lung cancer. According to the US Preventive Service Task Force, those at high risk are:

Between age 55 - 74
A current smoker or have quit smoking in the last 15 years
Have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 or more years

A high-risk patient needs to talk to their primary care physician first about a lung cancer screening. The doctor will then refer the patient to Alhambra Hospital for the screening. The patient does not have to be a patient of Alhambra Hospital Medical Center to receive this screening. The test costs $130 with a physician order, since this test is not yet covered by insurance. If the patient does not have an order, a $250.00 package that includes an order, screening and a consultation with one of our specialized pulmonologists is also offered.

In addition to LDCT, Alhambra Hospital Medical Center offers the patient a multi-specialty team consisting of radiology, oncology, pulmonology, and surgery to help streamline the care and follow up of patients that require further testing or intervention.

"The main benefit of low dose CT lung cancer screening is the ability to diagnose lung cancer in the earliest stage," Iris Lai, CEO, commented. "The exam takes only a few minutes, involves no needles and helps us save lives. I highly encourage all high-risk patients to talk to their primary care physician about a low-dose CT screening for lung cancer."

To schedule a screening please call 626-458-4760. Patient must have a physician order, or may arrange for one at an additional fee. At this time, insurance providers are not covering the screening exam.

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Alhambra Hospital Medical Center was recently honored with an "A" grade - the top grade in patient safety by the Leapfrog Group. The Hospital Patient Score is compiled under the guidance of the nation's leading experts on patient safety and is administered by the Leapfrog Group. To see how Alhambra Hospital Medical Center's score compares locally and nationally, please go to hospitalsafetyscore.org