SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ? Regional West has joined the annual statewide effort, organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2), to heighten awareness of lifesaving lung cancer screening during Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November.

According to NC2, lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Nebraska for both men and women. In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 1,340 new cases and 630 deaths from lung cancer in Nebraska. The most recent data indicates that the five-year relative survival rates for Nebraska’s lung cancer diagnoses are 61% for early-stage diagnoses, while rates for later-stage cases fall to 34% for regional diagnoses, or diagnoses where cancer has spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs, and 7% for distant diagnoses, or diagnoses where cancer has spread to distant organs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the only recommended screening test for lung cancer is a low dose computed tomography scan, or an LDCT scan. Yearly screening is recommended for patients who are 50 to 80 years old, currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and have a 20 pack a year or more smoking history. A pack year is equal to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year.

“Over the years Regional West has come a long way in our approach to diagnosing and treating lung cancer,” says Gitesh Chheda, MD. “Due to our strong screening program, we have found more treatable lung cancers earlier, which helps people in our community fight cancer.”

Regional West CT Supervisor Tannis Reif says low dose CT scans are quick and painless, making the decision to get screened an easy one.

“A few minutes for a lung cancer screening could change your life with early detection and treatment,” Reif said.

If you’re interested in a low dose CT scan, talk to your physician or provider. For more information on Regional West’s Imaging Services, call 308-630-1140 or visit RWHS.org. To learn more about Regional West’s cancer services, call 308-630-1348 or visit RWHS.org.

Regional West Home Care and Hospice Partner with Vetter Senior Living to Transfer Services Nov. 1

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ? In a partnership with Vetter Senior Living (VSL), Regional West will transfer Regional West Home Care and Hospice services to Vetter, effective Nov. 1, 2023.

VSL is a highly respected and well-established regional leader that provides services and living options for rehabilitation, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, home care, and hospice. VSL operates 28 facilities in Nebraska, including Heritage Estates in Gering. The company specializes in the broad care continuum of home health and shares Regional West’s commitment to the greater Nebraska community.

VSL has a proven record of providing community access to home care and hospice services throughout the state. With an objective to provide quality care for those in the region, Regional West is pleased to support VSL in its area of expertise with the transfer.

“We are pleased to partner with VSL through an arrangement that extends our community’s continued access to consistent home care and hospice services,” said Mel McNea, Regional West CEO. “We see firsthand the high quality and care that VSL provides, and this partnership simply makes sense because of VSL’s excellent focus on world-class home care and hospice services.”

“Regional West and Vetter Senior Living are united in our mission to serve this community,” said Glenn Van Ekeren, president of VSL. “We are truly invested in the Scottsbluff and Gering area and have a mutual goal of offering the very best care to home care and hospice patients across the region.”

The service will operate under a new name, Brookestone Home Health and Hospice. All Regional West’s Home Care and Hospice current patients will continue receiving exceptional care through Brookestone, and Regional West employees have been invited to explore employment with Vetter. For more information on home care or hospice service, call Brookestone Home Health and Hospice at 308-630-1430.