infections to proactive care with a focus on prevention ,” Settle says . “ We have now been able to advance our goals of care to include routine cleanings and exams as well .”
WVU Cancer Institute is addressing the critical need for an increase in cancer screenings . The institute is paving the way with its two mobile cancer screening units — Bonnie ’ s Bus and LUCAS — which provide breast cancer and lung cancer screenings .
Bonnie ’ s Bus , a 45-foot unit that offers screening mammograms , has provided more than 31,000 mammograms across West Virginia since 2009 . LUCAS , a 48-foot unit equipped with state-of-the-art lung cancer screening technology , has been delivering lung cancer screenings since 2021 , resulting in at least 40 detections of lung cancer .
“ Lung cancer is a major health concern in West Virginia , partly due to its link with smoking and the high adult smoking rate in the state ,” says Jenny Ostien , MS , director of mobile cancer screening at the WVU Cancer Institute . “ While lung cancer screening has been recommended since 2014 , only about 5 % of West Virginians eligible are up to date with their screening . LUCAS helps increase patient access to a screening facility while decreasing the transportation time to get there .”
According to the 2022 West Virginia Cancer Burden Report , lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in West
Virginia . This staggering reality further affirms the importance of increasing access to cancer screenings .
Mobilizing health care in West Virginia has been life-changing for countless residents . The units are breaking down barriers to essential medical care , dental services and cancer screenings . Health outcomes are improving , health care is becoming more accessible and people are receiving the care they need . As organizations like Rainelle Medical Center , West Virginia Health Right and the WVU Cancer Institute continue to provide mobile care to those in need , they are helping build a healthier state . This innovative solution is making a lasting impact across all of West Virginia ’ s mountain roads . •
Photo by WVU Medicine .
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