Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center recently introduced low-cost CT lung screenings for $150 cash for high-risk patients who are 50 years of age or older with a history of smoking. No doctor’s order is required to receive a screening.

More people die from lung cancer than colon, breast and pancreatic cancer combined. An estimated 159,000 Americans will die from lung cancer in 2014. Unfortunately, lung cancer is often de tected late. Recent clinical trials show that CT screenings can reduce the mortality rate from lung cancer in high-risk people by about 20percent.

“CT screenings can help us detect lung cancer early when it’s still treatable,” said Martha Osborne, acting lung cancer nurse navigator. “Patients who meet criteria can pay cash for this potentially lifesaving screening, and leave with peace of mind or seek immediate treatment, if cancer is detected.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that anyone who has smoked one pack a day for 30 years, or two packs a day for 15 years, should have annual CT screenings. Though most insurance plans don’t yet cover this cost, patients can now pay a low-cost price at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center to ensure their own health.

To schedule an examination, call 909-469-9395.