SAINT MARY'S EARNS LUNG CANCER SCREENING CENTER DESIGNATION
RENO, Nev. – Tuesday, April 28, 2015 – Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center has been designated a
Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program
that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe and effective
diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.
"We are honored to become a Lung Cancer Screening Center and this
designation validates our commitment to the highest quality and safety
practices," said Shin Kim, MD, medical director of Saint Mary's
Radiology. "Providing excellent cancer care to the local community
is our top priority and we are committed to implementing the best lung
cancer screening program."
In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited
by the ACR after undergoing a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening
protocol and infrastructure. This includes appropriate patient follow-up
care such as counseling and smoking cessation.
Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, and appropriate
follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December
2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening
of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack per year smoking history
and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer
is the nation's leading cancer killer – taking the lives of
more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical
associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making
imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those
who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists,
medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation,
visit saintmarysreno.com.
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Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center based in Reno, Nev. is a 380-bed
acute care hospital offering inpatient, outpatient and wellness services.
Nationally recognized and accredited by the Joint Commission, Saint Mary's
offers a robust line of services including a top-rated Center for Cancer
featuring the region's only CyberKnife radiosurgery delivery system,
state-of-the-art William N. Pennington Emergency Room and Senior ER and
a Cardiology program dedicated to long-term wellness. The health system
also operates a fully-integrated Medical Group and a state-of-the-art
Center for Health & Fitness. As a long-standing community partner,
Saint Mary's is dedicated to ensuring the health and wellness of northern
Nevada remains strong. For more information, visit
www.saintmarysreno.com.