Hurricane, West Virginia [August 30, 2023]– Valley Health Systems, Inc. is pleased to have hosted LUCAS, WVU Cancer Institute’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, at Valley Heath’s Hurricane Health Center Tuesday August 29, 2023. 13 patients were served with lifesaving lung screenings.
LUCAS is the first of its kind, state-of-the-art lung cancer screening technology available in a comfortable, convenient environment for women and men with private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. Uninsured patients living in West Virginia, aged 50 and older and meet lung cancer screening eligibility requirements, may receive lung cancer screening on LUCAS through the generosity of grant funding and donations.
LUCAS is scheduled to return the following dates:
- Valley Health – Harts September 21, 2023. Call 304.855.4595 for an appointment
- Valley Health – Fort Gay, November 28, 2023. Call 304.648.5544 for an appointment
- Valley Health – Wayne, May 21, 2024. Call 304.272.5136 for an appointment.
More West Virginians die from lung cancer than colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer combined. Approximately 120,000 West Virginias are eligible for lung cancer screening, but only about two to four percent of those eligible for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) are currently being screened.
“Empowering our patients with accessible lung cancer screenings isn’t just a medical imperative; it’s a testament to our commitment to a healthier future. We are thrilled that we could help provide these screenings that can save lives,” said Valley Health President and CEO Steve Shattls.
LUCAS provides lung cancer screening and then refers patients in need of follow-up to facilities close to their home. The WVU Cancer Institute Mobile Cancer Screening Program is coordinated by Cancer Prevention and Control, and is a partnership between WVU Cancer Institute and WVU Medicine – WVU Hospitals.
# # #
Valley Health Systems, Inc. is a network of more than 40 non-profit health centers and public health programs that have been a Tri-State leader in the delivery of primary healthcare since 1975. Operating in southern West Virginia and southeastern Ohio, Valley Health provides services to more than 100,000 patients each year.
