UK St. Claire Health System is stepping up preventive health care in Morehead by opening its doors on Saturday for a series of free cancer screenings. The event, scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main campus on 222 Medical Circle, will provide breast, cervical and low‑dose CT lung cancer screenings for eligible patients.
Why a Saturday Event?
President and CEO Donald Lloyd explained that many community members struggle to find time for health appointments during the work week. “The important thing is, we know people are very busy,” Lloyd said. “It’s very difficult during a work week to schedule yourself for these kind of events, and so that’s why we’re offering it on Saturday.” By offering the screenings on a weekend, the hospital hopes to reach those who might otherwise postpone or skip vital preventive care.
Personal Story Highlights the Impact
Adrian Swain, a longtime Morehead resident who smoked for more than five decades, shared how regular screenings changed his outlook. Swain began routine checks in 2020, and doctors initially noted a stable abnormal finding. This fall, a follow‑up scan revealed growth, leading to a diagnosis of a Stage 2 tumor in his right lung. “The great thing is that I was able to catch it at an earlier stage,” Swain said. “Being proactive and having screenings along the way on a regular basis is what has saved the situation for me.”
Medical Experts Emphasize Early Detection
Lloyd stressed that early detection can provide clinicians with critical information over time. “Not every abnormal finding is a malignancy,” he noted, but monitoring changes helps doctors determine the appropriate course of treatment. He added that many cancers develop without noticeable symptoms, making recommended screenings essential even for people who feel healthy. “Many cancers manifest themselves with no symptoms, and by the time you are experiencing symptoms, you have an advanced stage cancer,” Lloyd said.
Screening Details and Eligibility
The Saturday event coincides with Lung Cancer Awareness Month and National Lung Cancer Screening Day. In addition to mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, low‑dose CT scans will be offered to patients who meet eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening, typically based on age and smoking history. Appointments are preferred, but walk‑ins are welcome. Residents can call 606‑783‑7676, selecting option 1, to schedule a time or simply arrive during the event hours.
Community Benefits
By providing these services locally, UK St. Claire aims to reduce travel barriers and improve health outcomes for Morehead families. The hospital’s outreach aligns with broader public‑health goals of catching cancers early, when treatment is most effective and less invasive. Community leaders have praised the initiative as a model for other regional health providers.
Looking Ahead
UK St. Claire plans to continue offering weekend screening events throughout the year, responding to community feedback and demand. Lloyd encourages residents to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that proactive health care is a shared responsibility that strengthens families and the broader community.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
