Facing a lung cancer screening can be daunting for many individuals, but Shore Medical Center, in collaboration with Advanced Shore Imaging Associates in Northfield, aims to reassure the community about the importance of early detection. The hospital emphasizes that a low-dose CT scan is a straightforward procedure that could be lifesaving.
Screening is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year refers to smoking one pack per day for one year; thus, someone who smoked one pack daily for 20 years or two packs daily for 10 years would meet the criteria. The goal is to screen individuals without symptoms so that any potential cancers can be detected early.
Greg Martello, radiologic technologist at Advanced Shore Imaging Associates, described the process: “The scan takes only a few minutes. You lie comfortably on the table while the machine captures detailed images of your lungs. There are no injections or needles. Afterward, our radiologists carefully review every image to make sure nothing is missed.” He noted that many patients initially feel anxious but added, “Almost everyone leaves feeling relieved. Simply taking this step to look after your health can give a huge sense of peace.”
Early detection is especially important for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer. According to statistics, around 63 percent of patients with localized NSCLC survive at least five years after diagnosis, compared to only 35 percent when the cancer has spread regionally and just 7 percent when it has reached distant organs.
Treatment options have advanced significantly in recent years. For those able to undergo surgery, minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery are often used. Accurate diagnosis and staging through imaging and lymph node evaluation help guide treatment decisions. Patients who cannot have surgery may receive stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which offers precise targeting without invasive procedures. Additional treatments may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies for certain gene mutations like EGFR or ALK, and neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy before surgery.
Dr. John Wilson, a Penn Medicine radiation oncologist working with Shore Cancer Center patients, said: “Shore works closely with Penn to provide seamless treatment. Surgery to remove cancer may be done at Penn, while radiation and chemotherapy are delivered here at Shore. This collaboration allows patients to get expert care close to home.”
Medical oncologist Dr. Vijay Sandilya from Shore Cancer Center commented: “Our team supports patients every step of the way. From the moment of diagnosis through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and follow-up care, we create a personalized plan to provide the most effective treatment for each individual.”
Individuals who meet screening criteria are encouraged by Shore Medical Center and its partners not to delay scheduling an LDCT scan at Advanced Shore Imaging Associates in Northfield by calling 609-380-4175 or visiting www.advancedshoreimaging.com.
