Chasity McCray, BSN ’15, MSN ’21

Nurse Practitioner, MUSC Health Lung Cancer Screening Program

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Carolina and across the United States. According to a recent report by the American Lung Association, South Carolina ranks:

• 33rd in the nation for new lung cancer cases, with a rate of 58.7 per 100,000 people (national average: 53.6 per 100,000).
• 34th in survival rates, with only 25.5% of patients living five years after diagnosis (national average: 28.4%).

Screening plays a critical role in saving lives. Annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20%. The MUSC Health Lung Cancer Screening Program provides these screenings to help detect lung cancer early when it is most treatable.

As a Nurse Practitioner with the program, Chasity McCray (BSN ’15, MSN ’21) works closely with patients to assess their risks and determine if screening is the right choice. The LDCT scan produces detailed images of the lungs, enabling early detection of abnormalities.

Health disparities in rural South Carolina make it difficult for patients to access lung screening, with Latino individuals being most likely to receive no treatment. It’s one of the reasons why McCray feels her work is important.

Having experienced the loss of family members to cancer, McCray is deeply committed to her work. “Hearing patients share their stories resonates with me on a personal level,” she shares. Her passion for preventative medicine drives her efforts to promote early detection. “When we catch something early, it’s often in a curable stage, which can make all the difference.”