Compass Medical In Easton Offers Lung Cancer Screenings

EASTON, MA - From Compass Medical: In honor of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Compass Medical is proud to announce that its Lung Cancer Screening Center has achieved accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

At its location in Easton, Compass Medical utilizes Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT), the only proven method to detect early lung cancer. For patients who qualify, LDCT lung screenings are part of preventive health screenings, much like mammograms and colonoscopies.

“The goal of screening is to save lives by detecting disease at its earliest and most treatable stage.” said Dr. Michael Myers, Chief Medical Officer at Compass Medical.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. Individuals who are between the ages of 55-77, have a tobacco smoking history of 30+ pack years, and are current smokers or have quit within the last 15 years should be screened for early lung cancer using LDCT. A pack year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. If one has smoked a pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years, that would equal 30 pack years.

“Since Compass Medical began offering this screening in May 2017, early cancers have been detected that would have progressed to an advanced stage without this screening,” said Dr. Myers. “Without an LDCT screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms – at which time the cancer is much more difficult to treat.”

LDCT combines special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple, cross-sectional images of the lungs, using low doses of radiation. The exam takes a few minutes, and does not require medication or injections. Patients can eat before and after the exam and in most cases do not need to change clothing. Similar to a mammogram or colonoscopy, patients at risk for lung cancer should continue LDCT screening for several years.

Compass Medical offers ACR-accredited LDCT screenings at its location at 21 Bristol Drive, Easton. Patients are encouraged to talk to their primary care provider about their risk factors and to see if they qualify for an LDCT screening.

About Compass Medical

Compass Medical is a fully integrated health care community that provides primary care, urgent care and specialty services for the entire family. Over the past 20 years, Compass Medical has grown to become one of the top health care providers in Boston’s South Shore region. For more information, visit www.compassmedical.net.

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