Lung Cancer Can Affect Anyone

The Lung Cancer Screening Program at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted an educational event on November 1 to kickoff Lung Cancer Awareness Month. -Photo by Montefiore

By Maria Serrano 

Bronx Voice

November 22, 2023

NEW YORK - Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women and, for the first time in history, the American Cancer Society recently reported higher lung cancer incidence in women than men younger than 50 years in the US. 

Individuals who have smoked cigarettes have a greater chance of being affected. The Bronx not only has the highest smoking rate in NYC, people who live in the Bronx also have more advanced stage and less early-stage lung cancers compared to most other places in the US. Other conditions in the Bronx like air pollution, high rates of asthma and exposure to secondhand smoke may also contribute to a lung cancer diagnosis.

Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) has one of the country’s longest-running lung cancer screening programs and offers high quality lung cancer care and support right here in the community. 

In 2022, we performed more than 1,625 low-dose CT scan screenings, and our program continues to grow with the goal of improving the health of our diverse community.

While lung cancer screening may bring up feelings of shame or guilt related to tobacco use, we view lung cancer screening like any other wellness check. In light of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, below is more information about lung cancer screening and what to expect.

Why Get Screened?

Lung cancer screening provides an opportunity to identify cancers before there are symptoms when there is the greatest chance for a cure. Symptoms arise in late-stage cancers, and can include a constant cough, cough with blood, unintentional weight loss or unexplained change in weight. 

If a nodule is detected, our multidisciplinary team provides prompt diagnosis and treatment, and closely monitors patients at increased risk. 

Who Is Eligible for Screening?

Screening is recommended for people between the age of 50 and 80 who currently smoke or have smoked in the past 15 years, and have smoked the equivalent of at least one pack per day for 20 years (20 pack-years) or half of a pack per day for 40 years. 

Despite these recently expanded guidelines, only 5% of people who are eligible undergo lung cancer screening, according to the American Lung Association. 

How to Get Screened 

Our multidisciplinary team supports patients every step along their journey. In addition to screening and treatment, we help people who are uninsured or underinsured apply for medical insurance and access other resources, like support groups and wellness classes. 

To be screened, your healthcare provider must refer you for an evaluation where you meet with a nurse practitioner at MECCC to determine your eligibility and have a shared decision making discussion where you are an active participant in creating your health care plan.  

 

What Happens During a Lung Cancer Screening? 

Lung cancer screening requires no preparation, restrictions, medications or injections! The scan only takes about 1 minute, and it’s completely painless. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the scan. 

The screening involves a low-dose CT scan (LDCT), which is a form of X-ray imaging. Before your scan, you will be asked to change into a gown and remove any jewelry. You will then lay very still on a table that slowly moves inside the machine that is shaped like a large donut and goes all the way around your body, taking pictures of your lungs from every angle. Research has shown that getting this test yearly could lead to a 20% reduction in cancer death rates compared to a standard chest x-ray.

 

Advances in Treatment

Widely recognized for excellent patient care and innovative approaches to lung cancer research, at MECCC we offer the most evidence-based lung cancer care to our community. In recent years, treatment for lung cancer has improved, with advances in systemic therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Most lung removals at MECCC are performed with small incisions, allowing for a quicker recovery. For those with small tumors who are eligible, we can perform partial lung resections, allowing for more of the lung to be preserved. 

Please talk with your primary care physician about your tobacco use history to learn whether screenings might be right for you—and know that we are here for you.

For more information, visit: https://cancer.montefioreeinstein.org/community-outreach-engagement/screenings/lung 

Maria Serrano, NP-BC, clinical coordinator, Lung Cancer Screening Program at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Casey Cruz, DNP, Lung Cancer Screening Program at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center