Awareness and Early Detection
Sequoia’s Lung Cancer Early Detection program is a participating member of the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP), administered originally by the Weill Cornell College of Medicine (now the Arizona Biodesign Institute and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine). I-ELCAP is designed specifically for lung cancer screening in patients who do not have symptoms but may meet other qualifying criteria. Patients are age 40 and over, typically with a history of smoking at least a 100 cigarettes in a lifetime. Patients who do not qualify for I-ELCAP, or do not want to participate in the trial, will be referred to lung cancer specialists for a consult. This clinical pathway reflects Sequoia’s unique, comprehensive approach to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Sequoia’s Lung Cancer program is overseen by a dedicated program coordinator who provides individual patient education and support.
"With the availability of today's sophisticated, low-dose CT imaging, which is more sensitive than chest X-rays, we hope for improved ability to detect early-stage cancer," adds Dr. Fred Marcus, medical oncologist, emphasizing that early detection complements Sequoia's stellar Lung Cancer program. "Sequoia already stands out as a lung cancer center in this community and we continue to take pride in partnering with faculty from the world-renowned UCSF Medical Center lung cancer program to bring university-level care to this community hospital."
Sequoia is one of 50 institutions worldwide participating in I-ELCAP, the first research study of its kind evaluating the effectiveness of screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scanning. In addition to revealing the condition of the lungs, the results include the Coronary Artery Calcification score - a marker of heart health. Scans are not free. The cost of a low-dose CT scan is $399, a significantly reduced rate.
Please contact Mirella Massad, program coordinator, at (650) 367-LUNG (5864) with any questions regarding the Lung Cancer Early Detection program or to schedule an appointment.
To learn more about lung cancer screening and early detection, please visit:
• American Cancer Society
• Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation
If you are a smoker and would like to quit, we recommend calling the following free stop smoking services: Breathe California at (650) 994-1903 or 1 (800)QUIT-NOW.
