News Summary
The Asheville Veterans Affairs hospital has implemented new screening initiatives to enhance early detection of lung cancer among veterans. By utilizing targeted CT scans, which expose high-risk individuals to lower radiation levels, the program has significantly improved early diagnosis rates, with 75% of cases detected early compared to the national average of only 25%. This proactive approach aims to increase survival rates and offer veterans better treatment options, addressing the unique health challenges faced by this population.
Asheville – The Asheville Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital has taken significant steps to improve the early detection of lung cancer among veterans, a disease that continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Recent initiatives have been implemented to ensure that lung cancer is identified at earlier stages, ultimately enhancing survival rates for those affected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer claims approximately 70% of patients within five years of diagnosis. However, advancements in screening methods, such as the use of targeted computed tomography (CT) scans, have shown that early detection can nearly double a patient’s chances of survival. The CDC reports that the survival rate for lung cancer identified in its localized stage is 67%, while this figure plummets to just 12% when the cancer is discovered in more advanced stages.
The Asheville VA, which serves veterans from around 23 counties across western North Carolina, began implementing targeted CT scans five years ago. This program specifically targets high-risk individuals—primarily those veterans who have a history of smoking for at least two decades. These high-risk veterans undergo an annual CT scan that emits only one-sixth of the standard radiation, minimizing exposure while maximizing the chances of early cancer detection.
Recent data from the Asheville VA indicates a marked improvement in the rates of early lung cancer detection. Currently, 75% of the screens conducted through this program identify lung cancer at early stages, significantly higher than the national average, where only about 25% of cases are diagnosed at an early point.
The emphasis on early detection reflects a broader understanding of the risk factors faced by veterans. Many of these individuals may have been exposed to hazardous materials during their service, such as burn pits, Agent Orange, and asbestos, all of which are linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Providing these veterans with proactive screening options aligns with the VA’s commitment to delivering comprehensive care.
The program at the Asheville VA not only focuses on detection but also offers better treatment options for veterans diagnosed with lung cancer. Early detection enables the possibility of minimally invasive tumor removal procedures, which typically require only a few hours to complete and allow for quicker recovery compared to more invasive surgeries needed for advanced-stage cancers.
In addition to immediate benefits, ongoing research is essential to refining the approach to lung cancer screening in veterans. Discussions about optimal screening frequencies are encouraged between patients and their healthcare providers to ensure tailored strategies that best meet the needs of each veteran. This dialogue is an integral part of the healthcare process as it respects the unique medical history and risk factors of each individual.
As the Asheville VA continues to focus on improving the longevity and quality of life for veterans through these targeted efforts, the program stands as a beacon of hope. With the potential for increased survival rates through early detection, the initiative exemplifies a proactive approach in addressing the critical health challenges faced by veterans in the region.
Through targeted screening programs and advancements in treatment, the Asheville VA is paving the way for a future where lung cancer can be caught early, allowing veterans to benefit from improved treatment options and outcomes, ultimately promoting better health and increased longevity among this population.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Asheville VA is saving lives with early lung cancer detection
- Google Search: Lung Cancer Early Detection
- Fox Carolina: FEMA application denied? Most common reasons and what to do
- Wikipedia: Lung Cancer
- Fox Carolina: Saying goodbye to beloved TL Hanna High legend laid to rest
- Google News: Lung Cancer Screening Programs
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
