Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, but finding it early makes a life-saving difference. The Garrett County Health Department (GCHD) has a program that can help you get screened to catch cancer early.
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month,” said Autumn Nichols, Cancer Screening Program Nurse Coordinator at GCHD, “and our focus is on early detection, screenings, smoking cessation, and reducing risks like radon and asbestos.”
“Our CPEST Program, which stands for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment, uses Maryland Cigarette Restitution Funding, to pay for the screening that can save lives,” she added.
The Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan is a fast, non-invasive, low-radiation test that can detect tiny abnormal cells in the lungs early—when treatment is most effective.
- Screening is available at NO COST for program-eligible Garrett County residents.
- You do not need to quit smoking to be screened. However, NO COST smoking cessation services and resources are also available through the Garrett County Health Department to support those who wish to quit.
- A Nurse Coordinator and Patient Navigators are available to guide you through the steps.
Annual screening is recommended if you meet all the following criteria:
- Age 50 to 80 years old
- At least a 20 pack-year history (for example, 1 pack/day for 20 years, or 2 pack/day for 10 years)
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
- Have not had lung cancer in the past 5 years
Call the Garrett County Health Department’s CPEST Program today at 301-334-7770 to learn more about eligibility and available services. Ask to speak with Autumn Nichols or Jessica Carey, CRNP, Director of Personal Health, for more information.
Prevention Tips & Additional Facts
- Radon gas is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Test your home for radon.
- Breathing in secondhand smoke increases lung cancer risk in non-smokers by
20 to 30%. - Ready to quit? Call or text “READY” to 200-400 to enroll in the free Maryland Tobacco Quitline or call 301-334-7724 to enroll in tobacco cessation services at the Garrett County Health Department.
