Vancouver Clinic program aims to boost screening for lung cancer

Vancouver Clinic pulmonologist Dr. Nicholas Wysham encourages screening for lung cancer. “A lot of people think that just because they feel good, they don’t have any symptoms or they quit smoking a long time ago, they don’t need to be screened,” Wysham said. (Photos by Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Pulmonologist Dr. Nicholas Wysham sits for a portrait in his office Monday at Vancouver Clinic. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Pulmonologist Dr. Nicholas Wysham sits for a portrait in his office Monday at Vancouver Clinic. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Dr. Nicholas Wysham shows a scan of a nodule in a lung Monday at Vancouver Clinic. Lung cancer is 90 to 95 percent curable if detected early.

Pulmonologist Dr. Nicholas Wysham, right, and lung cancer screening program coordinator Shelby De La Cruz say it’s important to return for annual screenings because cancer is often detected after several years. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Lung cancer screening program coordinator Shelby De La Cruz talks about lung cancer screenings Monday at Vancouver Clinic. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Pulmonologist Dr. Nicholas Wysham, left, and lung cancer screening program coordinator Shelby De La Cruz talk about lung cancer screenings Monday at Vancouver Clinic. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)