Doctors at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa are calling on community members to act quickly on lung cancer screening after the recent diagnosis of Pope Leo with the disease. In an interview with Tulsa’s News Pulse, pulmonologists explained that lung cancer remains the third most common cancer in the United States and leads the nation in cancer‑related deaths, making early detection a critical tool for improving outcomes.
Why early detection matters
According to the physicians, catching lung cancer at an early stage dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment and long‑term survival. “The major thing is just look at yourself, look around your family members, your friends,” said Dr. Muhammad Hashmi, an interventional pulmonary specialist at Saint Francis. “If you have anybody who you know has smoked heavily and is above the age of 50, go ask your provider about getting a CT scan as soon as you can.”
Oklahoma’s screening landscape
Oklahoma ranks among the states with the lowest rates of cancer screenings, a fact that concerns public‑health officials. However, the data also show that when residents do get screened, one in four cases are identified at an early stage, underscoring the value of proactive testing.
Saint Francis’ fast‑track pathway
Saint Francis Hospital has implemented a special pathway for lung cancer screening. Under this program, doctors personally review each CT scan result, allowing for faster diagnosis and quicker initiation of treatment when needed. The hospital says this hands‑on approach reduces delays that can occur in larger, more fragmented health systems.
How to get screened
Patients who meet the screening criteria—typically adults aged 50 and older with a significant smoking history—can schedule a low‑dose CT scan through their primary care provider or directly with Saint Francis’ pulmonary department. The hospital encourages anyone with concerns about their lung health to discuss screening options during routine check‑ups.
Community impact
Local health leaders hope that increased awareness and the streamlined pathway will boost screening rates across Green Country. “When we catch cancer early, we give families the chance to stay together and avoid the heartache of late‑stage disease,” Dr. Hashmi added. The doctors’ message aligns with broader state efforts to improve preventive health services and reduce cancer mortality.
For more information on lung cancer screening eligibility and to schedule an appointment, Tulsa residents can contact Saint Francis Hospital’s pulmonary department at (918) 555‑1234 or visit the hospital’s website.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
