Griffin Health Hosts Lung Cancer Screening Event, Special Hours

In recognition of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Griffin Health will have special hours for lung cancer screening and will offer free one-on-one phone calls with lung cancer specialists this November.

On National Lung Cancer Screening Day, Sat., Nov. 12, Griffin Imaging & Diagnostics Center at Quarry Walk, at 300 Oxford Rd. in Oxford, will be taking appointments for low-dose CT lung cancer screenings from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. These screenings will be available to individuals who are registered in a lung cancer screening program. Individuals who meet the low-dose CT lung cancer screening recommendations can call 203-732-1476 to make an appointment for Nov. 12 in Oxford or for another time.

Additionally, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, will offer free one-on-one phone calls with specialists in its Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program on Wed., Nov. 16. Participants in these phone call consultations 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.

These added screening hours and free medical consultation are 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 50-80 who have smoked at least an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 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.

For more information about the Griffin Health Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program, visit griffinhealth.org/lung.