Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, members of Centralus Health, offer low-dose lung cancer screenings to eligible patients. (Photo credit: Adobe Stock)
In 2022, lung cancer was responsible for nearly 2.5 million new cases, or 12.4% of all cancers, and caused an estimated 1.8 million deaths globally. Lung cancer is responsible for the most deaths due to its strong link to tobacco use, with the World Health Organization linking 85% of cases to smoking. Other major risk factors include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, air pollution, and certain chronic infections.
“Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the world,” says Michelle Malnoske, MD, Pulmonologist at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for the highest global incidence and mortality rates among both men and women. Lung cancer is highly metastatic, meaning it is likely to spread to other parts of the body. Once the cancer has spread, it becomes much more difficult to control and cure, making early detection crucial.
“The five-year survival rate is dismal compared to breast cancer or prostate cancer, which are more commonly diagnosed.”
Dr. Malnoske says breast cancer and prostate cancer, diseases most commonly and routinely screened for amongst men and women, do not seem to lead to such an uncomfortable end.
Seemingly minimal symptoms like cough or shortness of breath are often seen as a side effect of smoking regularly. While smoke inhalation can irritate the lungs, leading to things like chronic cough or asthma, these symptoms could be a warning sign that should not be ignored.
“We like to screen patients that are symptomatic in hopes that we catch something early. We can achieve that with low-dose CT of the chest. When lung cancer spreads outside of the chest, the chance of curing it is near zero. Catching lung cancer early is really the goal,” Dr. Malnoske says.
People who qualify for lung cancer screening include those who are currently smoking or those who have quit within the last 15 years. They need to be between 50 and 80 years old, and they need to have a 20-pack-year smoking history.
“That can be equated to one pack a day for 20 years or a half a pack a day for 40 years. Those are the patients who are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer and would benefit most from the screening.”
Schuyler and Chemung counties have two of the highest incidence rates of lung cancer in New York State, coming in at 51.7% and 52.6% , respectively. Additionally, Tioga and Chemung counties have two of the highest smoking rates in New York State, both of which are above 21%. Some occupations, like construction, maintenance, and manufacturing, require people to work with hazardous materials that can also lead to lung cancer and complications.
“All these factors just add to the risk that’s already prevalent in our area. That’s why we tend to see a higher rate of lung cancer than other areas across the state,” Dr. Malnoske says.
Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, members of Centralus Health, offer free low-dose lung cancer screenings to eligible patients.
“Our pulmonary departments are very dedicated and invested in trying to increase awareness of lung cancer screening. We have a thoracic surgeon who is able to perform surgery on patients with early lung cancer and resect the cancer to help cure patients of this terrible disease.”
Most major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of the screening for patients who are between the ages of 50 and 80, have a 20-pack-year history, and currently smoke or have smoked within the last 15 years. If you meet the criteria, Dr. Malnoske says it is important to talk to your primary care provider about your risk for developing lung cancer.
Michelle Malnoske, MD, Pulmonologist at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health. (Photo credit: Centralus Health)
To find out if you are eligible for a screening or to make an appointment with Arnot Health, click here. To request an appointment with Cayuga Health, click here.
Arnot Health offers a wide range of pulmonary diagnostic services at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira and Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital, 7571 NY-54, Bath.
Cayuga Health offers pulmonary and sleep services at Cayuga Medical Center, 201 Dates Drive, Suite 301, Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital, 220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls; 260 Tompkins Street, Cortland.
