November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and Norman Regional Hospital is ramping up screenings with a new robotic diagnostic device that improves accuracy.
Lung scans are “basically a CAT scan of their lungs” that usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete, according to Christi Snow, a nurse and lung nodule navigator in the pulmonology ward at Norman Regional Hospital.
Their new technology, called the Ion Endoluminal system, is “like a robotic bronchoscopy,” improving the provider’s diagnostic confidence.
As lung nodule navigator, Snow helps patients navigate the process, from the original appointment to scheduling follow-ups.
Lung scans are recommended for those aged 50-80 who smoke, vape, or have quit within 15 years. They cost $100 out of pocket, with combined heart and lung scans at $125. However, insurance may cover some costs.
Screenings are also recommended for those exposed to other particulates.
“If they have previously had or currently have a job that they are exposed to radon, asbestos or diesel exhaust, that would be a good reason to get scanned,” Snow said.
She emphasized early detection, especially via “preventative medicines, preventative scans.”
Snow addressed misconceptions about vaping.
“Vaping is equivalent to smoking,” she said, “you’re inhaling bad particles in your lungs.”
Doctors say that it is possible to beat lung cancer, and that catching it early helps.
“The possibility of overcoming the disease is real—with early detection, specifically at stage IA-1, patients have an average five-year survival rate of an astonishing 92%. The challenge, however, lies in diagnosing lung cancer at this early stage,” said Sergio Garcia, a doctor at Norman Regional Pulmonary Clinic.
More screenings could help doctors catch nodules earlier.
The 2023 State of Lung Cancer report shows that Oklahoma’s lung cancer rate is higher than the U.S. average. Meanwhile, OU’s 2022 Cancer in Oklahoma data brief said lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in the country.
Lung cancer is the second most common kind of cancer regardless of gender in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society.
Breast and prostate cancer rank as the most common, respectively.
Findings suggest that “Oklahoma population has a higher proportion of late-stage diagnosis, inadequate treatment or both,” according to OU’s brief.
Snow said that quick and effective care is the priority.
“Our goal is to, once they come in, decrease their time from the lung scan when it’s completed, until they find out the results,” Snow said.
A person who wants to come in for a lung scan does not have to wait for a referral, she said.
“You can self refer, or your primary care can set you up with one,” Snow said.
The hospital watches anything they find, and notably, not all findings are urgent.
“We do surveillance for non urgent findings, we do a follow up for two years, and overall, this has improved our patient experience,” Snow said.