GO2 for Lung Cancer Recognizes Mason Health for Commitment to Highest Standards in Lung Cancer Early Detection through Low Dose CT Screening
Mason Health has been named a Center of Excellence (COE) by GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) for its ongoing commitment to providing the Mason County community with patient-centered, evidence-based lung cancer screening. An estimated 237,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, with most being found at an advanced stage of the disease. As a result, lung cancer has long been the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. By screening individuals at high risk for lung cancer using low dose computed tomography (LDCT), this disease can now be found early, when it is most treatable and even curable.
“It is hard to overstate the importance of conducting lung cancer screenings for our community,” said Mason Health Chief Operating Officer Winfried Danke. “Early detection of cancer literally saves lives. We are thrilled to not only offer this service in our community, but to have been recognized as a Center of Excellence so soon after starting up this program earlier this year.”
GO2 COEs designated in lung cancer screening are committed to the principles of patient-centered communication and decision making across the entire care pathway. They implement screening in accordance with current evidence and clinical guidelines developed by professional bodies such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and they coordinate patient follow-up, diagnostics, and transition to treatment through a multidisciplinary clinical process.
“Mason Health is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care,” said Mason Health Director of Population Health Jennifer Kummerfeldt, ARNP. “Low dose CT screening is currently the only proven method to detect lung cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage. We are thrilled to be part of this elite group, setting an example for responsible screening practices across the country.”
As part of a District-wide initiative to increase cancer screenings this year, Mason Health strengthened its lung cancer screening efforts with the addition of a dedicated lung cancer patient navigator, Elyse Dumont, RN. An experienced Registered Nurse devotes an additional four hours weekly to guide patients through the screening process, ensuring comprehensive support and coordination of care. The program targets individuals at higher risk, including:
- Current smokers or those who have quit smoking in the past 15 years
- Those with a consistent smoking history equal to one pack a day for 20 years or more
- Anyone with an inconsistent smoking history that equals one pack per day for 20 years or more
- Age 50-80 years old (insurance coverage can vary for the full age range)
“We are proud to have Mason Health join the community of GO2 for Lung Cancer Centers of Excellence that is national in scope and local in impact,” said GO2 Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer, Joelle Fathi. “Across the U.S., the majority of people at risk for or living with lung cancer are served by a local community hospital near their home. Through the GO2 COE network of community hospitals, clinics, and academic and VA medical centers, we are fostering and supporting essential knowledge sharing and collaboration that brings national and global advancements in early detection, treatment and care close to home.”
Founded by patients and survivors, GO2 for Lung Cancer is dedicated to increasing survival for those at risk, diagnosed and living with lung cancer. For more information visit go2.org.
Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Darrin Moody, Secretary, and Lori Brady, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award and the 2025 Emerald Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.