NYC Health + Hospitals Celebrates Performing Nearly 17,000 Lung Cancer Screenings Systemwide Over the Last Three Years
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women — more people die each year from lung cancer than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined Early detection through lung cancer screenings is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 years old who have a history of smoking, currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years Lung cancer screenings are available at no cost to eligible patients at all NYC Health + Hospitals acute care facilities
Nov 18, 2025
In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the public health care system has performed nearly 17,000 lung cancer screenings since the launch of its Lung Cancer Screening Program in September 2022. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, and more people die each year from lung cancer than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. Patients are screened for lung cancer with a low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan, a diagnostic imaging tool that uses x-rays to create cross sectional images of the lungs. The early detection of lung cancer, which is often asymptomatic in early stages, has proven to dramatically increase survival. NYC Health + Hospitals offers lung cancer screening for patients who are between the ages of 50 and 80, have a history of heavy smoking, are currently using tobacco, or stopped smoking within the past 15 years, and have no signs or symptoms of underlying lung cancer. Lung cancer screenings are now available to eligible patients at all NYC Health + Hospitals acute care facilities.
“Performing nearly 17,000 lung cancer screenings in just three years has undoubtedly saved New Yorkers’ lives, and shows what a public health care system can achieve when it prioritizes equity and outreach to its patients,”said Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals. “Detecting lung cancer early with a quick, non-invasive lung cancer screening is critical for successful treatment. We’re committed to making sure every New Yorker in need has access to it.”
“Our commitment to expanding access to lung cancer screenings reflects our team’s commitment to addressing health disparities and providing equitable, high-quality care for every New Yorker at risk of developing lung cancer,” said Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals.“We encourage all eligible patients to speak with their providers about screening — the earlier we screen, the faster we can connect you to effective, life-saving treatment options.”
Lung cancer screenings are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans without any out-of-pocket cost. Patients who meet the criteria and wish to be screened should speak with their primary care doctor for a referral. If you do not have a primary care doctor, please call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to schedule an appointment.
Patients who screen positive for lung cancer are paired with a clinical navigator who ensures they receive care specific to their needs, including follow-up appointments and connections to tobacco cessation resources. Patients can access the latest technologies in robotic and navigational bronchoscopy to help biopsy and diagnose lung cancer, as well as minimally invasive surgical lung resection for early stage lung cancer. Additionally, they have access to cutting-edge oncology treatments, including targeted therapy and eligibility for certain clinical trials to explore advanced treatment options.
NYC Health + Hospitals Lung Cancer Screening Program (LCSP) has expanded access to life-saving lung cancer screenings for New Yorkers across the city, advancing healthy equity and reducing preventable deaths by identifying cases of lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
Since its launch, the LCSP has:
- Hired dedicated clinical navigators at every NYC Health + Hospitals acute care facility to guide patients through screening and follow-up care.
- Created a lung cancer screening module in the public health care system’s Epic electronic medical record system, standardizing workflows and data capture.
- Launched a dedicated website for patients and providers to centralize information and resources.
- Joined the National Lung Cancer Roundtable and presented at multiple national conferences to share research and best practices with leading national experts.
- Organized a yearly Lung Cancer Symposium with the support of the White Ribbon Project to promote awareness, advocacy, and recognize provider’s achievements.
“We are honored to see NYC Health + Hospitals continue to embrace the White Ribbon as a symbol of unity, visibility, and hope for all people affected by lung cancer,” said Pierre and Heidi Onda, Co-Founders and Directors of the White Ribbon Project. “The way their Lung Cancer Screening Program has woven this symbol into care, from patients to navigators to clinical leaders shows what is possible when compassion and collaboration meet purpose. Together, we are changing the narrative, inspiring early detection, and bringing hope to every life touched by this disease.”
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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.