High Risk Lung Cancer Program
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 early detection 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 be considered for the program, you must be at least 50 years old and have been treated for lung, oral, throat and/or esophageal cancer.
You may also be eligible if you are at least 50 years old and have other risk factors, which include, but are not limited to:
- 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
- Chronic lung disease, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Occupational-related asbestos disease
- Previous lung cancer (or head and neck or esophageal cancer) that has been treated
- History of substantial secondhand smoke exposure
This program involves the use of two tests, which are used after a focused medical history and physical examination:
- A spiral CT scan to identify early-stage lung lesions or cancer near the outside edges of the lungs
- Autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) to detect lung lesions or cancer centrally located in the lung
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
The spiral CT scan is painless. The AFB is done while you are in a light sleep. Some patients may have a mild sore throat afterward.
What will it cost me?
The procedures in the screening program are generally covered by insurance. If you have a deductible or co-pay, you will have to pay a few dollars out of your pocket. Our financial counselors can give you an accurate prediction about how much this will be.
Will the results be used for research?
If you choose, you can have your clinical data shared with our research teams. Each set of test results will be assigned a numeric code. The assigned number will not be linked to your personal information.
Will I need all of the tests?
The tests you have are determined on an individual basis as indicated by your risk factors for lung cancer.
How much time does it take?
Not long. Usually it takes about one to two visits.
What are the advantages of having these tests done as a part of this early detection program?
If you have multiple risk factors for lung cancer, we may detect a lung cancer in an early stage, when it is most curable.
What can be done if the doctor detects lung cancer?
Most early lung cancer can be treated and cured. There are several procedures used by Roswell Park Cancer Institute, such as laser and minimally invasive treatments, that may be performed depending on the type of lung cancer detected. The cure rate for early lung cancer is greater than 90%.
Are these tests experimental?
Spiral CT scan has been used for several years and is non-experimental. In 1998, the FDA approved the AFB for detection of early lung cancer. Both tests have been used at Roswell Park Cancer Institute for over 10 years.
How do I sign up?
Call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.
