Lung cancer screening appointments available in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Cancer is encouraging people to book lung cancer screening appointments, including those in the Peace region.

BC Cancer’s free lung screening program is open to eligible adults aged 55 to 74 who have a significant history of regularly smoking commercial tobacco, either currently or in the past. 

The program is intended for people who are not experiencing symptoms, and aims to find cancer early, when five-year survival rates are 80 per cent or higher. 

According to BC Cancer, up to 75 per cent of lung cancers found through screening are diagnosed at an early stage, compared to less than 30 per cent without screening.

In Fort St. John, screenings take place at the Fort St. John Hospital at 8407 112th Avenue.

In Dawson Creek, appointments are available at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital at 11100 13th Street.

Residents can visit BC Cancer’s website or call the Lung Screening Program at 1-877-717-5864 to find out about eligibility or about consultations and risk assessments.

BC Cancer reminds the public that lung screening is not appropriate for anyone experiencing symptoms, such as a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood or rust-coloured mucus, or ongoing chest pain or shortness of breath. 

Anyone with these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider, visit a walk-in clinic or call 811 for assistance.

Those interested in booking an appointment can visit BC Cancer’s website to find nearby screening locations.