Just before Thanksgiving in 2024, Lori Colley received life-altering news: stage three lung cancer. At 53, she followed her doctor’s advice and scheduled a lung screening. That single decision—and the care she received at Stillwater Medical—gave her a second chance.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, largely because it’s often detected too late. But when caught early through screening, lung cancer is far more treatable and survival rates improve dramatically. That’s why Stillwater Medical is emphasizing the importance of early detection—and helping more people take that first step.
From July 21 to August 1, Stillwater Medical is offering lung cancer screenings at a self-pay rate of just $50 with no physician referral needed. This low-dose CT scan can detect cancer before symptoms appear.
“Time matters when it comes to cancer,” said Dr. Daniel Roton, a pulmonologist at Stillwater Medical. “The earlier we find it, the better the outcome for the patient.”
David Altman of Perkins, Oklahoma, scheduled one of those $50 scans as a precaution with a family history of lung cancer. He had no symptoms and had recently received a clean bill of health. But the scan told a different story: stage 1 adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
Thanks to Stillwater Medical’s advanced diagnostic tools, including the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy system, doctors were able to perform a safe, minimally invasive biopsy. The Ion system allows providers to navigate deep into the lung with incredible accuracy, reaching small nodules that might otherwise go undetected. This technology increases the likelihood of early diagnosis and reduces the risk of complications.
Altman’s cancer was caught early, allowing his medical team to move quickly. Within a month, he underwent surgery to remove part of his lung and began chemotherapy close to home at Stillwater Cancer Center.
“If I hadn’t gone in, it would have been much worse,” Altman said. “That $50 scan added years to my life. I think about my mom and the suffering she went through. I didn’t want that for myself.”
Both Lori and David’s stories illustrate a powerful truth: early detection can make the difference between a difficult diagnosis and a lifesaving opportunity.
Stillwater Medical’s team-based, patient-centered approach supports individuals every step of the way, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Stillwater Medical offers access to specialists, advanced cancer therapies and compassionate care—right in the heart of the community.
“Our goal is to give patients the best chance possible,” Dr. Roton said. “Lung screening is one of the most important tools we have to do that.”
If you are between the ages of 50 and 80, have a history of smoking, or are at increased risk for lung cancer because of your occupation, talk to your healthcare provider about whether a screening is right for you. With this limited-time promotion, there’s never been a better moment to take control of your health.
Lung screenings at the special $50 rate are available between July 21 and August 1. To schedule, call the Stillwater Cancer Center at (405) 742-4930 or Stillwater Medical Blackwell at (580) 363-2311.
