PAWTUCKET, RI – Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI) recently committed to being a Presenting Sponsor at the Free to Breathe Run/Walk on October 19th at Slater Park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  Free to Breathe is a non-profit organization dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.  Proceeds from this event will help fund lung cancer research, as well as develop tools for lung cancer patients to help navigate their disease and treatment options.

A recent study, called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), compared the use of CT scans with chest x-ray to screen for lung cancer in patients aged 55-74 and who smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years. The patients screened with CT scans were found to have 20% fewer deaths from lung cancer than patients screened with x-ray.  Based on the results of the NLST, RIMI has created the first comprehensive out-patient lung cancer screening program for eligible patients in Rhode Island. RIMI’s program is based upon the initial findings from the trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Lung cancer screenings are recommended for current or former smokers at least 55 years of age, who have smoked one pack a day for at least 30 years or 2 packs a day for 15 years.

Currently lung cancer screening is not yet a benefit generally covered by insurance and as such, is a cost that the patient must bear directly. However, according to Dr. Terrance Healey, “As more clinical trials support the evidence of reducing death rates and treatment costs, it is believed that insurance companies will eventually cover lung cancer screenings in the same way they cover mammograms and colonoscopies.  RIMI is pleased to participate in the Free to Breathe event on October 19th to show our support for lung cancer research and the coverage of lung cancer screenings.”

To participate in the Free to Breathe event, please log onto www.freetobreathe.org/rhodeisland.

For more information, call Rhode Island Medical Imaging at (401) 432-2400.

About Rhode Island Medical Imaging

Established in 1943, Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI) maintains the highest standards of practice in medical diagnostic imaging. Their network of private facilities is staffed by board certified radiologists, registered technologists, and dedicated office personnel, offers physicians and patient’s prompt and professional service using state-of-the-art technology. The team of radiologists has broad based experience and subspecialty training in all areas of diagnostic imaging, providing patients with immediate access to consultations in any medical imaging subspecialty. RIMI radiologists also perform and interpret the full spectrum of imaging examinations at Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, and the Miriam Hospital. Those activities are complemented by their academic commitment to The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. RIMI’s goal is to provide every physician and patient with the highest quality in contemporary diagnostic imaging. For more information about Rhode Island Medical Imaging, visit www.rimirad.com.