During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, cancer patients, survivors and volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in New York are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to take urgent action to reduce the state’s lung cancer burden by signing legislation that will eliminate cost-sharing for lung cancer screening and follow-up tests. As the advocates’ calls reach a fever pitch, new data, published in JAMA, has emerged to indicate that lung cancer screening uptake is low with only 1 in 5 eligible adults in the U.S. getting screened for lung cancer.
In New York, roughly 14,000 residents are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and the state’s five-year lung cancer survival rate remains only 32.1%. Detecting lung cancer early has been proven to dramatically improve survival. For example, in non-small cell lung cancer—the most common type—the five-year survival rate is 65% when found at a localized stage but drops to 9% when discovered after it has spread.
Despite the clear benefits of screening, uptake remains low, affirmed by the aforementioned study in JAMA, as well as additional, local data that indicates only 21.8% of adults in New York who are at high-risk were screened. Research shows required cost-sharing, including co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance, creates a significant barrier, preventing many high-risk New Yorkers from completing the screening process.
This spring, the New York State Legislature passed S2000-A / A1195-A, bipartisan legislation that ends cost-sharing for lung cancer screening and follow-up tests across all payer types. ACS CAN advocates who fought for this legislation after it stalled last session are urging the governor to enact the bill before thousands more New Yorkers face preventable late-stage diagnoses.
“Right now, New Yorkers are dying from lung cancer at a faster rate than any other cancer,” Michael Davoli, senior government relations director for ACS CAN in New York. “That is, in large part, a function of the barriers that keep people from getting screened for lung cancer. S2000-A / A1195-A would eliminate one of the biggest hurdles. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Governor Hochul has the opportunity to take a major step toward reducing lung cancer deaths and saving lives.”
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.