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Lung Cancer Screening Team
MEET OUR LUNG CANCER SCREENING TEAM
Lung cancer screening saves lives by finding cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Our team of lung cancer screening specialists can determine if you are at risk, whether you are a current long-term smoker, or a former smoker who quit after years of smoking. The team includes radiologists, thoracic surgeons, skilled imaging technicians and an oncology nurse navigator who provides education, support and guidance to patients and families throughout screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Call 925-947-3322 or visit Lung Cancer Screening for more information about the team and the types of screening tests they perform.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Evidence has long shown smokers develop lung cancer at a higher rate, but there was no consensus on the appropriate type of test or the amount of smoking that determines which patients should be considered high risk and therefore should receive lung cancer screening. In a landmark decision, which followed years of research which defined high risk patients and proved scanning high risk patients with a screening low dose computed tomography (LDCT) significantly saves lives, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added lung cancer screening CT’s as a preventive benefit.
In order to qualify for lung cancer screening, patients must be:
- Between the ages 55 to 77 years
- Have a 30 pack-year smoking history (one pack a day for 30 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, etc.)
- Be a current smoker or have quit in the past 15 years
Whether you are a current or former smoker, your risk of developing lung cancer may be up to 25 times higher than someone who never smoked.
Patient Stories
Hear what patients say about their journey
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A SAFER, MORE EFFECTIVE WAY OF SCREENING
Studies have shown that screening those at high risk with low dose CT scans before symptoms appear can find lung cancer early when it is easier to treat and more likely to be cured.
The screening low-dose CT of the chest uses lower amounts of radiation than a standard chest CT and does not require the use of intravenous (IV) contrast dye. Further CT testing or tissue biopsy testing may be necessary if the low dose CT picks up abnormalities in the lungs.
John Muir Health has adopted this innovative method for screening and has been recognized as a “Center of Excellence” by the Lung Cancer Alliance and the American College of Radiology for providing high quality responsible screening.
Michaela Straznicka, M.D., discusses Lung Cancer Screening including insurance coverage and treatment options.
COLLABORATION IS KEY
With the importance of finding and treating lung cancer as early as possible, it’s crucial to have a team of experts involved in your care. Through collaboration, John Muir Health can offer you screening, diagnosis and treatment alternatives that may not be available at other Bay Area hospitals. Keeping you informed and guiding you through the process is equally important and is part of our partnership with you. That’s why our lung cancer screening team listens, explains and is with you every step of the way.
Lynn Rodegard R.N., B.S.N
Lynn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt/Saint Mary’s Intercollegiate Nursing Program. She joined John Muir Health in 1996 as a unit based nurse at the Concord Medical Center’s Oncology Unit. In 1998 she transitioned to the Cancer Program as a research nurse focusing on oncology studies. Lynn has been the Thoracic Nurse Navigator since 2007 and oversees several programs including the Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Michaela Straznicka, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Michaela Straznicka, a board certified thoracic surgeon joined John Muir Health in 2003. Dr. Straznicka graduated from the University of Miami Florida, Medical School. She completed her general surgery residency at the University Medicine Dentistry New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson program. Dr. Straznicka received her fellowship in thoracic surgery at the University of California, Davis. She then accepted an instructor position at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Thoracic Surgery Division. Dr. Straznicka is currently a co medical director in the Thoracic Program.
Wilson Tsai, M.D.
Dr. Wilson Tsai is board certified in thoracic surgery. He joined John Muir Health in 2008. Dr. Tsai graduated from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Following medical school he trained in general surgery at the University Medicine Dentistry New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He completed a fellowship program at the National Cancer Institute’s National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Tsai received an additional cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center Presbyterian-UPMV Montefiore. He also trained at Memorial–Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a thoracic fellow. Dr. Tsai is currently a co-medial director of the Thoracic Program.
Sunil Gandhi, M.D.
Dr. Sunil Gandhi completed medical school at the Stanford University School of Medicine. After finishing his Internship at Olive View – University California Los Angeles Medical Center, he completed his Residency at the University of California at San Diego. Dr. Gandhi received his fellowship training at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology. His focus is body imaging radiology, nuclear medicine and PET radiology. During his 11 years at John Muir Health, Dr. Gandhi has been key to the development and management of lung cancer screening programs at John Muir Health.