MercyOne announced that MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City have each been designated as a lung cancer screening center by the American College of Radiology. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. The screening program, which can be covered by Medicare, was created to help find lung cancer in its earliest stages. It’s recommended adults ages 55 to 80 who have a 30 pack per year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years should be screened. “Currently only about 1 in 10 Iowans who qualify for a screening get one,” said Tim Hackbart, director of MercyOne Des Moines Cancer Center. The centers seek to increase Iowa screening rates and save lives by catching and treating lung cancer much earlier. Individuals should contact their primary care provider to determine if they qualify for the screening.