SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Regional West has joined the annual statewide effort, organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2), to heighten awareness of lifesaving lung cancer screening during Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November.

According to NC2, lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Nebraska for both men and women. In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 1,340 new cases and 630 deaths from lung cancer in Nebraska. The most recent data indicates that the five-year relative survival rates for Nebraska’s lung cancer diagnoses are 61% for early-stage diagnoses, while rates for later-stage cases fall to 34% for regional diagnoses, or diagnoses where cancer has spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs, and 7% for distant diagnoses, or diagnoses where cancer has spread to distant organs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the only recommended screening test for lung cancer is a low dose computed tomography scan, or an LDCT scan. Yearly screening is recommended for patients who are 50 to 80 years old, currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and have a 20 pack a year or more smoking history. A pack year is equal to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year.

“Over the years Regional West has come a long way in our approach to diagnosing and treating lung cancer,” says Gitesh Chheda, MD. “Due to our strong screening program, we have found more treatable lung cancers earlier, which helps people in our community fight cancer.”

Regional West CT Supervisor Tannis Reif says low dose CT scans are quick and painless, making the decision to get screened an easy one.

“A few minutes for a lung cancer screening could change your life with early detection and treatment,” Reif said.

If you’re interested in a low dose CT scan, talk to your physician or provider. For more information on Regional West’s Imaging Services, call 308-630-1140 or visit RWHS.org. To learn more about Regional West’s cancer services, call 308-630-1348 or visit RWHS.org.

About Nebraska Cancer Coalition

The Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2) is a nonprofit organization that serves all 93 counties in Nebraska.  NC2's membership and partners include health systems, providers, associations, cancer survivors and individuals. Together we aspire to achieve our mission of connecting people and resources to strengthen cancer prevention, detection, and quality of life in Nebraska. NC2 works towards implementing the goals and objectives of our strategic plan. Our vision is to ultimately Conquer Cancer Together.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative healthcare services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.