The East Torresdale Civic Association last week heard from the coordinator of Jefferson Health’s lung cancer screening program.
Nurse practitioner Teresa Giamboy spoke to residents about the dangers of smoking and the importance of detecting lung cancer early. She said a screening test for lung cancer was rolled out several years ago.
“The word needs to get out,” Giamboy said. “Most people don’t even know this exists, this screening program.”
She said many lung cancer patients do not experience any symptoms, which is why the condition is so dangerous.
Among those eligible for the screening program are people ages 50 to 80 who are current smokers, former smokers who quit within the last 15 years, and those with 30-year pack histories, Giamboy said. A pack year is calculated as a year of smoking an average of one pack a day.
Participants will receive a low-dose CT scan of their chest.
Giamboy said the test is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and all major insurance providers. For more information about the program at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, call 215-612-4137.
For current smokers looking to quit, Jefferson also has an outpatient Tobacco Dependence Program and a free five-week group smoking-cessation program, Giamboy said.
She also warned residents at the meeting about electronic cigarettes and vaping, which she said is a growing trend among young people.
“They’re just as bad as smoking,” Giamboy said. “The chemicals that are in cigarettes are also in these electronic devices.”
In other news from the March 11 ETCA meeting:
- Glen Foerd on the Delaware continues to look for a new executive director. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 22. Interested applicants can send a résumé, cover letter and salary expectations to [email protected].
- Holy Family University Speaker Series will hold a talk Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. titled “Spit Spreads Death: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 in Philadelphia.” Robert D. Hicks, director of the Mutter Museum, will give an illustrated presentation and preview the museum’s exhibit on the topic. The talk will be held at the university’s Education and Technology Auditorium at the Frankford Avenue campus.
- The ETCA’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at Liberty Free Evangelical Church, Milnor Street and Linden Avenue. ••
