Free Lung Cancer Screening Set for Nov. 14 at UM Shore's Easton Imaging Center

EASTON, MARYLAND — University of Maryland Shore Regional Health will hold a free lung cancer screening event on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. at its Diagnostic and Imaging Center in Easton.

The screening is open to men and women ages 50 to 80 who smoke now or who quit within the past 15 years, and whose smoking history equals a pack a day for 20 years. They must have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

The scan is not a walk-in. People who want it are first scheduled for an informational appointment with a nurse practitioner from UM Shore Medical Group – Pulmonary Care, either in person at the practice's Easton or Denton office or by telehealth. The screening itself is booked after that visit. To register or ask questions, call 410-822-0110, option 5.

The event is a joint effort of UM Shore Medical Group – Pulmonary Care and the Cancer Center at UM Shore Regional Health. It uses low-dose computed tomography, a CT scan that takes cross-sectional images of the lungs with less radiation than a standard CT scan, to look for disease before symptoms begin. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% of lung cancer deaths in the United States.

Nov. 14 is Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Day, said Melissa Eigenbrode, a certified registered nurse practitioner with the pulmonary practice. "It's a great opportunity for smokers and former smokers to get an understanding of their pulmonary health," she said in the announcement.

The Nov. 14 announcement lists ages 50 to 80. The hospital's general screening page lists ages 50 to 77 and recommends discussing a referral with a primary care provider. People interested in the Nov. 14 event should confirm eligibility when calling to register.

The Diagnostic and Imaging Center is at 10 Martin Court, Easton. The Easton pulmonary office is in the UM Shore Medical Pavilion, 500 Cadmus Lane, Suite 209.