King’s Daughters Medical Center was recently designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology.

The designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals who are at the highest risk for lung cancer.

“This designation is vital to our community. Providing lung screenings for those that may be at risk of lung disease is so important. These lung screenings can catch lung tumors when they’re still tiny enough to be treated easily; this type of screening is literally a life saver. Providing this service to our community and Southwest Mississippi, it is evident that KDMC cares for our community and their health,” said KDMC Radiology Director Wanda Biokua.

In order to receive this distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.

Screening with low-dose computed tomography scans and appropriate follow-up care significantly reduces deaths from lung cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults ages 55 to 80 who have a smoking history of 30 packs per year and currently smoke or who have quit smoking in the past 15 years.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the nation, causing more deaths each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

Many people are reluctant to be screened due to fear of judgment of their smoking habit, past or present. The KDMC program is designed to separate the screening from guilt, said Biokua. The screening is not about guilt or pressure to quit, although KDMC does offer support for those who decide to quit smoking.

Smokers or past smokers are encouraged to talk to their primary care providers to see if they qualify for a lung cancer screening.

For more information on the screening, call the KDMC radiology department at 601-835-9292.