Chicago City Wire

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago is urging Veterans to focus on their lung health during Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November. The medical center highlights the importance of early detection, noting that lung cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, which makes treatment more difficult.

According to Jesse Brown VA, using low-dose CT scans (LDCT) for screening can lower lung cancer mortality by as much as 20%. The recommendation targets Veterans between the ages of 50 and 80 who currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago.

"Awareness of the risk factors and early detection can save your life,” said Catherine Dell, NP, Lung Cancer Screening Program Director. “VA is committed to supporting Veterans in their health and wellness journey, taking simple steps such as getting screen for lung cancer is very important part of that journey."

The medical center points out several reasons for Veterans to consider screening at VA facilities, including fast and convenient procedures and comprehensive support resources. Information about screenings will be available at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on November 13, 2025.

Veterans not currently enrolled in VA health care are encouraged to speak with an eligibility specialist by calling (312) 569-6177 or visiting Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in person. Enrollment can also be completed at Adam Benjamin Jr., Chicago Heights, or Auburn Gresham VA Clinics, online, or by phone at (877) 222-8387.

The VA Chicago Health Care System operates five locations across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, including the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and four community-based outpatient clinics. It serves a seven-county area as part of the Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 (VISN 12), which covers parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, northwestern Indiana, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.