Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.
But early detection saves lives.
Finding lung cancer early saves lives. We know it works for breast, prostate and colon cancer, and now science has shown that lung cancer screening saves lives, too. In fact, the American Lung Association recently found that New Mexico ranked 42nd in the country for survival rates and 47th for surgical intervention. The report also found that Indigenous Peoples in New Mexico are most likely to receive no treatment.
The report found that New Mexico ranked:
2 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 32.9 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
42 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 23.9%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
45 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 23.1%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
49 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 9.1%. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20%. Nationally, only 16% of those at high risk were screened.
47 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 13.0%. Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.7% of cases underwent surgery.
46 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 33.0%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.
The New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation will provide a free, low-dose, CT screening, regardless of insurance status. New Mexico Cancer Center clinical staff will follow-up with you and your physician with your results. Age and smoking history are the two main factors used to know if you should be screened for lung cancer.
“I had one done last month. I did not have cancer, but other important findings were made. Well worth having this done!”
-Deb T., screening participant
“I wanted to say thank you for what you all are doing to help individuals identify potential problems early. Not only did the scan identify some potential lung issues that I do have, which I have a follow up with pulmonary at your facility to discuss further, it also identified some heart issues that I was unaware of and I am now being treated for, thankfully. At some point, I would have had an actual heart attack. I’m looking forward to my appointment with the providers at your facility in the near future, to discus how we keep my lungs healthy now too.”
-Rachel L., screening participant
“As a former smoker, I had always wanted to have a lung screening performed. I heard about the Breathe Easy Lung Screenings that they offered and I jumped on the opportunity. The process from signing up to having the scan done to receiving the results was amazing. While I was scared that they might find something, as a nurse, I also knew the importance of early diagnosis. I even had my husband sign up for one, as both of his parents were heavy smokers and he was exposed to secondhand smoke his entire childhood. The staff at the center were so friendly and willing to answer all of our questions. Thankfully, both of our tests came back negative, but we have been informed we are high risk and should have a screen done yearly. We had such a wonderful experience and are so grateful this was available.” - Stacie Johnson-Davis, Lifelong New Mexico Resident
“It was great - only spent 15 minutes there. They called me in two days and contacted my doctor, who had me in for a medication change after reading the results!”
-Bob Y., screening participant
“Had a great experience that turned up an issue that required a medication adjustment. The providers were great, the visit ran on time and my Doctor and I were both contacted with full information in a prompt timeframe after my visit. I have recommended this service to many neighbors, patients and friends!” - Bryan R., a local RN