EDINBURG, Texas - Founded by patients and survivors, GO2 for Lung Cancer is a national organization dedicated to increasing survival for those at risk diagnosed with, and living with lung cancer.
Recently, GO2 designated DHR Health as a Center of Excellence in both lung care screening and lung cancer care. DHR made the announcement at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance to coincide with World Lung Day.
“This national recognition is an important milestone for our hospital and for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health.
Castañeda noted that DHR is the only health system south of San Antonio to hold both COE designations. “It highlights the work our team is doing to ensure patients have access to early detection and expert care close to home,” she said.
Castañeda said prestigious designations such as that from CO2 are reserved for hospitals that meet the highest standards in lunch cancer care, from low-dose CT screening and timely diagnosis to coordinated treatment and comprehensive patient support. She said GO2 works closely with designated sites to ensure best practices are followed, particularly in communities where access is limited.
Dr. Federico Vallejo, MD, is a pulmonologist and robotic-assisted bronchoscopist at DHR Health. Vallejo said that unlike other cancers that have significant advances in early detection and treatment, lung cancer is frequently diagnosed in its later stages, when survival rates are much lower an treatment is more difficult.
“Our goal is catch lung cancer early and guide patients through every step of care,” Vallejo said. “By offering advanced tools and coordinated care, we increase the chances of early diagnosis - which can simnifically improve survival rates.”
Vallejo added: “We are honored to have received this designation and will continue our efforts in addressing the disparities in lung cancer detection and treatment.”
Here is an interview with Dr. Federico Vallejo:
Here is an interview with Edinburg City Council Member Dan Diaz, a healthcare specialist:
By Dr. Federio Vallejo, MD, pulmonologist and robotic-assisted bronchoscopist.
DHR Health is leading the way in lung cancer diagnosis with the Ion-robotic assisted bronchoscopy system.
This advanced, minimally invasive, medical tool and technology helps detect cancer in hard-to-reach areas of the lung, allowing for earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Ion’s technology is transforming lung cancer care. It helps us detect sooner, when it’s most treatable.
Lung cancer screenings, through a low-dose CT scan is recommendable for individuals aged 50 to 80 who are active or previous smokers. This screening is available at DHR Health imaging locations across the RGV, including Mcallen, Edinburg, Mission, Weslaco, and Brownsville.
The low-dose CT lung cancer screenings are covered by most insurance providers and through a $99 special cash option at DHR Health.
A physician referral is required for a low-dose CT scan or DHR Health can assist with a referral. For more information, or to schedule your low-dose CT lung screening appointment, please discuss with your primary care physician or call the DHR Health Lung Navigation Program at (956) 362-LUNG.
