Check Up 13

Welcome to Check Up 13, in partnership with Ascension St. Vincent

WTHR and co-anchor and health reporter Anne Marie Tiernon have partnered with Ascension St. Vincent, part of Ascension, one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., on an initiative called Check Up 13. The goal of Check Up 13 is to educate and encourage Indiana residents to take a proactive role in their own health. Check Up 13 includes news stories that will air on the 13th of every month during WTHR's Health Beat segment. The monthly program will highlight providers and patient success stories at Ascension St. Vincent and focus on the health topic screening, event or promotion for that month.

Please read the details about this month's Check Up 13 below. On the 13th of each month, you can register by filling out the form at the bottom of the page or by calling 866-UCHECK13 (866-824-3251).

A Low-Dose CT Lung Scan can help catch lung cancer early to help save lives

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Late detection is a significant part of the problem.

• An estimated 125,070 people will die from lung cancer in 2024, and 234,580 will receive their diagnosis this year.
• Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
• One reason why lung cancer is so serious is that, by the time you develop symptoms, it has likely already spread and become more difficult to treat.

If you are over the age of 50 and have a smoking history, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening:

• The Low-Dose CT Lung Scan is a screening tool that can look for signs of lung cancer before you have any symptoms, which can help find cancer at an early stage which allows for a higher likelihood of successful treatment and the best chance for long term survival.
• According to the American Lung Association, studies have shown that a Low-Dose CT Lung Scan is the only lung cancer screening tool that reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer.

For this month's 'Check Up 13' promotion, Ascension St. Vincent is offering those who qualify a Low-Dose CT Lung scan to screen for lung cancer.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE SCREENING:

To be eligible for this screening, individuals:

• Must be in the age group from 50-80 years old
• Must be a current smoker or former smoker who quit within the last 15 years
• Must have an average smoking history of 1 pack a day for 20 years

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FOR THE SCREENING?

• This screening is for those who meet the qualifications and don't have any symptoms.
• You will be scheduled for a telephone visit with a healthcare provider to discuss the CT scan and confirm qualifications.
• During the scan, you can wear your own clothes and lie down on the table of the scanner. As you lay there, the table will slowly slide in and out of the scanner. The scan is painless and quick and should only take about 5 minutes.
• Your results will be sent to your primary care physician within approximately 24-48 hours. Your provider can then review your results with you and discuss recommended next steps.