WVU Medicine emphasizes early detection during Lung Cancer Awareness Month

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and WVU Medicine is highlighting major strides in lung cancer prevention and early detection through its growing screening initiatives, particularly the lung cancer screening (LUCAS) mobile program, which brings life-saving technology directly to communities across West Virginia. 

Kyle Chapman, M.D., a pulmonologist at the WVU Cancer Institute, says these programs are already making a difference in survival rates statewide. 

“West Virginia has the highest adult smoking rate in the country, so it’s no surprise lung cancer is a common problem here,” Dr. Chapman said. “But the good news is that when we catch it early, patients have a much better chance of survival. Early detection is everything.” 

According to the West Virginia Cancer Registry, more than 2,000 West Virginians are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, yet nearly half of cases are found after the disease has spread. That’s why Chapman and his team are focused on expanding access to low-dose CT scans – a quick, painless screening test proven to detect lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. 

“Lung cancer screening is covered by all major insurers, including Medicaid and Medicare,” Chapman said. “If you’re between 50 and 80 and have a history of smoking, ask your provider whether you’re eligible. Even if you still smoke, it’s not too late to get screened.” 

To eliminate transportation barriers, WVU Medicine launched LUCAS — a fully equipped tractor-trailer that travels to rural communities that lack easy access to major hospitals.  

“LUCAS intentionally goes to places where there is no access to this low-dose CT scan, and we partner with providers throughout the community,” Chapman said. “Since launching, we’ve diagnosed more than 80 cancers. Not just lung cancer, but thyroid, breast, and pancreatic cancer as well. Every early diagnosis means a life saved.” 

Chapman noted that advances in robotic surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation treatments are also giving patients renewed hope. 

“The field has changed completely in the last five years,” Chapman said. “There are a lot of reasons for optimism, not just through early detection but through improvements in treatments as well.” 

Chapman discussed prevention, early detection, and new treatment breakthroughs in Advances in Lung Cancer: A Breath of Fresh Air, a recent episode of the Live Healthy, West Virginia podcast. 

To learn more about lung cancer screening at the WVU Cancer Institute, visit WVUCancer.org/LUCAS.  

About Live Healthy West Virginia 

Live Healthy West Virginia, a podcast presented by WVU Medicine, aims to help everyone live a better, healthier life in West Virginia and beyond. Find the latest episodes on the MetroNews website, the MetroNews Television app, or your favorite streaming platform.