The New York State Department of Health has drawn attention to new legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul that aims to eliminate financial barriers for follow-up lung cancer screening and diagnostic services. The move is intended to improve affordability and promote health equity across the state, especially as recent data show that a significant number of eligible residents are not being screened for lung cancer.
According to a report released by the Department, titled “Lung Cancer Screening, New York State Adults ages 50-80, 2022,” around 648,000 New Yorkers between the ages of 50 and 80—approximately one in ten people in this age group—are eligible for lung cancer screening. Despite this eligibility, only about one in five (19.4%) reported having received screening in the past year.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “Early detection can save lives, and no New Yorker should avoid critical screening because of cost. Governor Hochul’s leadership is helping ensure that eligible adults can access the care they need to detect lung cancer early, when treatment is most effective.”
Lung cancer remains among the most diagnosed cancers in New York and is currently the leading cause of cancer death in the state. Tobacco smoking accounts for over 80% of all cases. Early detection through regular screenings can lead to more effective treatments.
Current recommendations advise annual low-dose CT scans for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a history of heavy smoking—defined as at least a 20 pack-year history—and who either still smoke or quit within the last fifteen years. Under these guidelines, quitting smoking is not required to be eligible for screening.
The Department has also developed programs aimed at increasing lung cancer screening rates and reducing tobacco use statewide. The New York State Cancer Consortium brings together more than 400 public and private sector members with similar missions focused on reducing cancer incidence and mortality. Within this network, Action Teams address preventable cancers; specifically, its Lung Cancer Screening Action Team coordinates resources to support evidence-based strategies for increasing screenings.
One initiative led by this team includes the creation of the New York State Lung Cancer Screening Locator tool designed to help residents find facilities offering these screenings.
Additionally, the Tobacco Control Program supports efforts to reduce tobacco use through communications campaigns, treatment interventions, community programs, and statewide action initiatives such as Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities and Health Systems for Tobacco-Free New York. Community grantees receive funding through these initiatives.
For those seeking help with quitting smoking, the New York State Quitline offers free confidential services—including information in both English and Spanish—tools for quitting, coaching support, and nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gum. The Quitline now also provides information about lung cancer screening as part of its expanded services.
