People in Kitimat no longer have to travel to Terrace for lung cancer screening.
As of September 15, lung screening services are available at Kitimat General Hospital as part of the BC Cancer Lung Screening Program. Patients from Kitimat and surrounding areas previously had to travel to Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace to access the service.
Screening is recommended for people between 55 and 74 years old with a significant history of smoking, whether they’re currently smoking or quit years ago. The screening itself uses a low-dose CT scan to check for signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear.
“I want people in Kitimat and the surrounding communities to have easier access to the care they need, without having to travel long distances,” said Health Minister Ravi Kahlon. “Finding lung cancer early can lead to better treatment options and outcomes.”
Dr. Shyr Chui, medical lead for the Lung Screening Program with Northern Health, said making screening more locally available tends to increase how many people actually get tested. He’s encouraging anyone who thinks they might be eligible, or who knows someone who might be, to call the program directly.
BC Cancer says seven people die of lung cancer every day in the province, and 70 percent of cases aren’t caught until they’ve reached an advanced stage, when treatment options are more limited.
Anyone interested in being screened can call the BC Cancer Lung Screening Program at 1-877-717-5864 to complete a phone consultation and find out if they’re eligible.
