Independence Health System Screens for Lung Cancer with 25,000 Low-Dose CT Scans, Critical for Aging At-Risk Local Community Population

Center for Lung, Esophageal & Thoracic Disorders (Thoracic Surgery)
Advanced Lung Center

GREENSBURG, PA, Feb. 5, 2025 … Independence Health System today announced that its Advanced Lung Center (ALC) performed its 25,000^th low-dose (computed tomography) CT scan lung cancer screening (LCS) for patients. The goal of the ALC is to identify lung cancer at its earliest stage in as many community members as possible so that they can receive treatment that cures. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), the early stage diagnosis five-year survival rate is 64 percent, whereas the late stage diagnosis five-year survival rate is only nine percent. The ALC has screened about 8,000 patients to date.

“We are honored to have made a difference in so many lives,” said Michael Szwerc, MD, Medical Director of The Advanced Lung Center, Chairman Committee on Cancer, Independence Health System. “We’ve identified hundreds of new lung cancer cases that wouldn’t have been found otherwise, and the vast majority of them were early stage, treatable, and potentially curable.”

According to the ALA State of Lung Cancer, the rate of new lung cancer cases in Pennsylvania is 58.2 and “significantly higher” than the national rate of 53.6. The ALA cites smoking as the number one risk factor for lung cancer and cites other risks, such as exposure to air pollution and radon. Southwestern Pennsylvania is an area of high risk because of its aging population, industries, and neighborhood locations: those who have worked in occupational environments where they were significantly exposed to coke, coal, carbide, glass, and steel, and those who live in coal patch towns that were built on slag (waste materials from coal, for example) are at a higher risk for lung cancer. Other risks include family history and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Nationwide, only 27.4 percent of individuals with lung cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, according to the ALA. Independence Health System’s ALC diagnoses lung cancer at an early stage rate of 66 percent — significantly higher than the national average. Also according to the ALA, lung cancer survival rates have increased by 28.4 percent over the past five years in part because of LCS; yet, only 17.2 percent of those at high risk in Pennsylvania were screened.

"The program is quite beneficial, not only did they find my lung cancer, but they also found my thyroid cancer and a heart issue I was having. It is a Godsend,” said Thomas Ridenour, ALC patient since 2022 and Latrobe resident. “Both of the cancers were found at stage l. If I hadn't had the scan done, it would have been a lot worse, more advanced, tougher to treat in stage 2 or 3. My only regret is my family doctor had been asking me to have the test done for a few years and I didn't have it done sooner."

The ALC screening program covers individuals between the ages of 50-80 who are current or former smokers within the last 15 years, and it varies by insurance. Individuals outside of the category can still be screened through a self-pay option.

“The key to increased survival rates from lung cancer is through early detection, which means before symptoms start. If you’re between the ages 50 through 80, are a current or former smoker within the last 15 years, and feel well without any symptoms, this is exactly when you should get tested,” said Teresa DeVito, Nurse Coordinator, Advanced Lung Center, Independence Health System. “We hope that everyone who qualifies for the scan will take advantage of it.”

Latrobe Hospital’s Thoracic Surgery department (where the ALC refers patients for lung cancer surgery) holds a 3-star rating for its patient care and lung cancer resection outcomes from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This is the highest rating that can be achieved and is rarely earned in Pennsylvania. The rating is based on participation in the STS National Database and public reporting.

To schedule an appointment in the Butler area, patients can call 724-284-6211. To schedule an appointment in the Westmoreland area, patients can call 724-689-1440.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health