Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Recent studies estimate that nearly 65% of those eligible for mammography and colonoscopy screening exams receive them. Unfortunately, at approximately 18%, the rate for lung cancer screening is much lower, leaving many people unaware of potential lung cancer diagnoses and unable to treat the disease in its earliest, most curable stages.

Diane Fisher is living proof of the value of lung cancer screening. Four years ago, the lifelong smoker and her husband took the advice of their Catholic Health physician and began receiving annual lung cancer screenings. In 2024, the test—which consists of a non-invasive CT scan—detected a small nodule on Diane’s left lung. Further testing revealed that she had small cell lung cancer, an aggressive form of the disease.

Due to early detection, and because she had access to a multidisciplinary team of experts at Good Samaritan University Hospital’s Lung Center of Excellence, Diane was successfully treated and now has an excellent prognosis. Most patients with small cell lung cancer are not so fortunate. Between 23,000 and 35,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease each year, with the average surviving just seven months after diagnosis.

Diane was in the capable hands of a collaborative team of Good Samaritan physicians. Pulmonologist Eva Rubin, MD, ordered the initial lung cancer screening. Follow-up testing was conducted by interventional pulmonologist Sharad Chandrika, MD. Thoracic surgeon Mark H. Genovesi, MD, performed Diane’s surgery in December 2024, removing the lower lobe of her left lung. Her oncologist, Ashish Sangal, MD, then recommended four rounds of chemotherapy. In March, Diane rang the bell in Good Samaritan University Hospital’s Cancer Center to mark the end of her treatment.

“Diane has an amazing story,” said Dr. Sangal. “She is very lucky that her cancer was detected early. Small cell lung cancer can be challenging to treat, but early diagnosis through screening, coupled with our incredible team of physicians and leading-edge technology and treatments, gives us the opportunity to achieve better outcomes and save lives.”

Current national guidelines recommend that individuals between the ages of 50-80 who currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years undergo annual lung cancer screening. To learn more about lung cancer screening, visit https://www.catholichealthli.org/lung-cancer-screening.

Diane is grateful that she and her husband heeded their doctor’s advice to get screened. Diane credits the entire Good Samaritan team with not only detecting her cancer early, but also providing her with excellent and compassionate care.

“I’ve recommended Good Samaritan to everyone I know,” Diane said. “I am 120% satisfied with everyone affiliated with the hospital, from the nurses to the physician assistants to the nutritionists to the doctors and even the financial professionals. Everyone made us feel comfortable and answered all our questions and concerns.”

Diane’s experience has inspired her to become an advocate for lung cancer screening and share an important message with the world: “If you smoke, stop now.”