Free Cancer Screenings

Year Round Screenings

Lung Cancer (Low Dose CT Screenings)
‍Low-Dose CT (LDCT) lung screening is quick and easy and results in a minimal amount of radiation exposure. The Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma in Altus and Lawton is currently offering free LDCT lung screening to individuals who meet the established high-risk criteria.

Low Dose CT Qualification Criteria:
You may qualify for a free LDCT lung screening if you (must fall under all seven qualifications):

• Are between 50 and 80 years of age
• Are currently a smoker or have quit < 15 years ago
• Have a 20+ pack-year* history of smoking
  *pack years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs a day you smoke by the number of years you have smoked. Example: 2 packs a day for 15 years = 30 pack/year
  
• Have no personal history of lung cancer
• Have not had a Chest/PET CT in the last 12 months
• Are able to lie on your back with your arms above your head
• Are not oxygen dependent
  

How do we perform the exam?
‍LDCT lung screening is one of the easiest screening exams you can have. The exam takes less than 10 seconds. We do not give medications or use needs for this exam. You can eat before and after the exam. You do not even need to get changed as long as the clothing on your chest does not contain metal.If you think you meet the criteria, please call (580) 536-2121 or call toll free 1-877-231-4440 between the hours of 8:30am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, to complete a screening questionnaire. We advise qualified candidates to call their primary care provider to obtain an order for a free LDCT lung screening.You do not have to be a current patient to receive this free screening. However, you must receive an order from your primary care physician to be eligible and before we will schedule your appointment.If you do not have a primary care physician we will assist you in finding one.​

Annual Screenings

March: Colon Cancer
Throughout the month of March, the Cancer Center will be distributing free IFOB screening kits at all three centers. The kit is then brought back to the Cancer Center where testing is run. This kit tests for the presence of blood in the stool. While it is not definitive for cancer, blood present in the stool can be an indicator of colon cancer.

April: Head and Neck Cancer
The head and neck screening consists of a visual exam of the head and neck region as well as the oral cavity.

May: Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer; however, if detected early, treatment is very successful. The skin cancer screening involves only a 2 to 3 minute visual inspection of the patient’s body including the scalp, hands and feet.

September: Prostate Cancer (DRE & PSA)
These are the American Cancer Society recommendations for prostate screening:

• Screening should take place at age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer.
• Screening should take place starting at age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Screening should take place at age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
• The prostate screening consists of a Digital Rectal Exam and a PSA (blood draw.)