Lung Screenings Now At MCHC

    Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, causing more deaths than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. However, a screening now offered at Marshall County Healthcare Center (MCHC) in Britton could help catch lung cancer earlier for some, especially current and former heavy smokers, and reduce their risk of dying from lung cancer by 20 percent. 
    MCHC Lead Radiology Technologist Nikki Kotzer explains the lung cancer screening is a low-dose CT scan that looks for early signs of cancer such as nodules, or small growths, in the lungs. According to the fact sheet about the screening, the radiation from the low-dose CT can be up to 90 percent less than the dose from a standard chest CT. The scan is painless and can be performed with a single short breath hold and takes less than 15 seconds. 
    The goal of this all is to reduce cancer deaths, says Kotzer. “The screening can detect cancer with over 90% accuracy,” she notes. “If we can catch lung cancer sooner, treatments can begin earlier which results in better survival rates.”
    Kotzer adds that the screening is not necessarily recommended for everyone. “There are certain guidelines a patient would need to meet before the screening is called for,” she said. These guidelines include being ages 50-80 years old and a current smoker with a smoking history of at least 20 packs per year or being a former smoker with at least a 30-pack year smoking history who has quit smoking within the last 15 years. 
    When the screening is complete, the information is sent to Aberdeen where a radiologist reads it. The images are classified using a system called Lung-RADS. The system provides guidance to clinicians on which findings are suspicious for cancer and how to move forward.  “Results are usually received within 24 to 48 hours,” notes Kotzer. 
    This technology is a boon to patients and the facility says Kotzer. “In the past, a patient would have to drive to a bigger town to get this screening so it is handy that we can offer it here.” 
    MCHC CEO Nick Fosness agrees. “We have the technology right at our fingertips and I am glad we can perform this locally,” he emphasized. “This saves time and miles for patients.”
    Kotzer added that people should talk to their provider about a lung screening if they have concerns or think they meet the criteria. 
    Much like the 3D mammograms that the hospital offers, the lung screening is just another tool in the toolbelt of an impressive small-town healthcare center. “It is pretty amazing all the offers that our little hospital has,” said Kotzer. “We are always looking to add new technologies and capabilities.” 
    “I am proud of our radiology staff who are trained in the CT technology to safely and efficiently perform a lung screen,” stressed Fosness. “The right technologists using the right technology results in small town care we are proud of. “