Clara Maass Medical Center Offers Lung Cancer Screenings

Clara Maass Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, encourages high-risk adults to schedule a lung cancer screening.

Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer, excluding skin cancer, in men and women. It accounts for approximately 14 percent of all new cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. In 2016, there will be an estimated 223,390 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S., with approximately 158,080 deaths.

“As the lung cancer survival rate is lower than many other forms of cancer, early detection is key. Health professionals at the Cancer Center at Clara Maass connect with patients and caregivers. We are their partners throughout the treatment process,” said Chief Medical Officer Frank Mazzarella, MD, CHCQM. “At Clara Maass, we offer state-of-the-art technology to help people stay healthy.”

To be eligible for the screening, individuals must either be, (1) a current or former smoker, between the ages of 55 and 74, with a history of at least 30 “pack years,” or, (2) over 50 years old with at least 20 “pack years,” who has other risk factors – including exposure to radon, asbestos or environmental carcinogens; significant exposure to second-hand smoke; a COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or emphysema diagnosis, or; having a first-degree relative who has lung cancer. “Pack years” is calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years a person has smoked.

Lung cancer screenings include advanced imaging technology, a CT Scan (Computerized Tomography), which enables medical professionals to view a complete picture of the lungs. Clara Maass Physicians also conduct a thorough history and clinical examination. In the early stages of lung cancer, many individuals do not have other symptoms, making imaging the only way to diagnose the condition. Clara Maass Medical Center also offers a smoking cession program.

Smoking cigarettes is the No. 1 risk factor for lung cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that smoking causes an estimated 80 to 90 percent of all occurrences. When compared to people who do not smoke, those who smoke are 15 to 30 times more likely to acquire, or lose their life to, lung cancer.

For more information about the lung cancer screening program at Clara Maass Medical Center, please call 973-844-4166 or visit the website at https://www.barnabashealth.org/Clara-Maass-Medical-Center/Our-Services/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Program.aspx.

About Clara Maass Medical Center
Located in Belleville, NJ, Clara Maass Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, provides a complete continuum of care to residents of northern New Jersey. Clara Maass’ centers and services include: The Health and Wellness Center, Nuclear Medicine, The Cancer Center at Clara Maass, Adult Cardiac Services including Diagnostic Services, Cardiac Catheterization, Elective and Emergency Angioplasty and Rehabilitation Services, The Pain Management Center, The Joint & Spine Institute, a Vascular Center, Same Day Surgery, The Wound Center at Clara Maass, The Center for Sleep Disorders, The Bariatric Surgery Center, Rehabilitation Services, The Eye Surgery Center, Maternity Services and Parent Education, Pediatrics, Video EEG Testing, Adult and Pediatric Epilepsy Services, The Infusion Center, Radiation Oncology services, a Radiology Department, an Emergency Department, and Robotic Surgery. Clara Maass is an eight-time recipient of the “A” Hospital Safety score from The Leap Frog Group, an independent national nonprofit group measuring hospital safety and quality. For a physician referral or more information about Clara Maass, call 1-888-724-7123 or visit www.barnabashealth.org/claramaass.