Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In the past, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer has been about 14%. Lung cancer is subtle and often causes no symptoms until it has spread outside the lung to other parts of the body. Like patients with breast cancer, lung cancer patients who do survive are diagnosed early. These are patients with “early stage “ disease.

The purpose of Roswell Park's screening program is to detect lung cancer early. When lung cancer is detected early, it is usually curable. Lung cancer has had the reputation of being a fatal disease because, in the past, it has not been detected in the early stages.

In order to participate in this screening program, you must have one or more following risk factors:

• Smoking more than a 1/2 pack a day for at least 40 years, or a pack a day for at least 20 years, or two packs a day for at least 10 years
• Emphysema or Chronic Bronchitis
• Occupational-related Asbestosis Disease
• Previous Lung Cancer (or head and neck or esophageal cancer) that has been treated

This program includes four tests, which are used after a focused medical history and physical examination:

• A spiral CAT scan to identify early-stage lung lesions or cancer near the outside edges of the lungs
• A LIFE bronchoscopy examination to detect lung lesions or cancer centrally located in the lung
• A chest x-ray
• Sputum (phlegm) samples

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll? 
Call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.