Cancer Institute Medical Director Discusses Importance of Lung Cancer Screenings
November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Lung Association.
KCRA 3 Anchor Edie Lambert interviewed Costanzo Di Perna, medical director of the Dignity Health Cancer Institute and thoracic surgeon, about the importance of lung cancer screenings, early detection and treatment. Edie also interviewed Robert Mueller, a lung cancer survivor, who had a lung cancer screening last year that detected his stage 1 lung cancer. He had a successful surgery last February.
Now that lung cancer screenings are covered by Medicare, people have greater access to lung screenings, which can lead to early detection. Catching and treating lung cancer early is by far more effective than any surgery or other treatment on later stage lung cancer.
The story aired on KCRA 3 on Friday, Nov. 27.
Dignity Health in the Sacramento region brings together cancer services extending beyond the traditional doctor-patient relationship. Our oncology services start with a range of screening options for early detection and extend through personalized treatment following a cancer diagnosis—enabling you to take charge of your health.
Dignity Health's state-of-the-art Mercy Cancer Centers provide a full range of oncology services, including an array of cancer treatment options, advanced imaging tools and support services.
Pictured above: Mercy Cancer Center’s nurse navigators are specially trained nurses who help guide patients through the care process and act as a liaison among caregivers and physicians. Having the personal support of a nurse navigator to explain the cancer services available helps take some of the mystery out of an already overwhelming process.
Publish date:
Friday, November 27, 2015