Mobile Lung Scans Reach West Virginia Workers
A state-wide mobile clinic offers CT lung cancer screenings to asymptomatic smokers between the ages of 50 and 77.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Asthma
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A mobile lung cancer screening unit recently visited the Toyota Motor Manufacturing facility in Buffalo, West Virginia. The service provides CT scans for current and former smokers between the ages of 50 and 77 who are not exhibiting symptoms.
Why it matters
Early detection of lung cancer is critical for improving patient outcomes, yet accessing specialized imaging equipment can be challenging in rural or industrial settings. This mobile service bridges that gap by bringing diagnostic technology directly to high-risk individuals across West Virginia.
The mobile unit operates as an active surveillance tool, providing diagnostic CT lung scans for individuals aged 50 to 77 who meet smoking history criteria. It remains unknown how many participants were screened or how many abnormalities were identified during the visit.
The players
Dionne Ratliff
A healthcare professional who participated in providing lung cancer screenings at the Buffalo facility.
Bridgette Skaggs
A healthcare professional who provided lung cancer screening services to workers at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing
An automotive production facility that hosted a mobile health unit for employee lung cancer screenings.
The details
The mobile clinic is a specialized truck equipped with a Computed Tomography machine capable of taking high-resolution images of the lungs. Two radiologic technologists operate the equipment on-site to identify early signs of cancer or other pulmonary abnormalities in asymptomatic individuals. By traveling across West Virginia, the unit removes common logistical barriers to obtaining preventive diagnostic imaging.
Timeline
* September 30, 2026: Mobile lung scans were provided at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing facility in Buffalo.
Health Landscape
This program reflects a broader shift toward community-based diagnostic access, building on the framework established by the National Lung Screening Trial. It updates the traditional hospital-bound model of cancer prevention by deploying high-resolution imaging directly to regional work sites.
If you are between 50 and 77 years old and have a significant smoking history, talk to your physician about whether low-dose CT screening is right for you. Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, identifying lung issues early is a vital conversation to have with your primary care team.
The takeaway
Early screening is the most effective way to catch lung abnormalities before they become symptomatic. If you meet the age and smoking history criteria, ask your doctor to assess your eligibility for regular lung cancer screenings.
Further reading
For more information on lung health and related diagnostic services, visit Asthma.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald-Dispatch.
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