The New York State Department of Health has marked Lung Cancer Awareness Day on August 1, urging residents to prioritize screening and early detection. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the state, with smoking identified as the primary risk factor.
“Early detection of lung cancer can make a life changing and life-threatening diagnosis more treatable,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Some individuals with lung cancer may present as asymptomatic, which is why proactive screening is critical to detect the disease in early stages.”
Lung cancer screening involves using a low dose computed tomography (CT) scan before symptoms appear. While this does not prevent lung cancer, it can help identify cases earlier when treatment is more effective.
Health officials recommend annual screenings for people aged 50 to 80 who are at high risk due to their smoking history. In New York, Medicaid and most health insurance plans cover yearly screenings for those who qualify. Medicare covers these screenings up to age 77.
Recent data from the Department of Health shows that about 7,000 people die from lung cancer each year in New York State, with nearly 80 percent of those deaths linked to smoking. The incidence rate is higher among men than women; non-Hispanic White residents have the highest rates while Hispanic residents have the lowest.
In addition to cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products remain major contributors to lung cancer risk. The vapor from e-cigarettes also contains substances associated with lung disease and cancer.
Secondhand smoke continues to be a significant risk factor for non-smokers living with someone who smokes, increasing their chances of developing lung cancer or heart disease by up to 30 percent.
Officials stress that avoiding tobacco use is the most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk. They note that quitting at any age brings health benefits—including improved mental health—and that combining medication with counseling doubles success rates for quitting smoking.
The New York State Quitline offers free support services such as confidential coaching and nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum in both English and Spanish via phone or text message.
Other factors beyond smoking can increase an individual’s risk for developing lung cancer; when combined with tobacco use, these risks rise further.
The New York State Cancer Consortium is a statewide network focused on reducing cases and deaths from cancers such as lung cancer through collaborative action teams addressing prevention strategies.
