Lung Cancer Screening: Making it the New Norm for Early Detection and Improved Survival
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Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in New York State and across the country, yet screening rates remain critically low—despite strong evidence that early detection saves lives. A new report co-authored by leading New York physicians and public health experts emphasizes the urgent need to normalize lung cancer screening as a standard of care for high-risk patients aged 50–80 with a history of smoking. With screening rates hovering around just 19.3% in New York, primary care physicians are uniquely positioned to change the trajectory.
The article outlines clear evidence from large-scale trials showing that annual low-dose CT scans significantly reduce lung cancer mortality, with some studies reporting up to a 58% reduction. It also addresses the real-world challenges of screening uptake, including patient hesitancy, stigma, and systemic access barriers, offering actionable solutions such as shared decision-making tools, language sensitivity, and screening integration into routine workflows.
Together, we can shift lung cancer screening from exception to expectation and save more lives.
