Cancer Screen Test Seeking Heavy Smokers
08/24/00
Have you kicked the habit or are just thinking about it? Either way, you can help.
The city is looking for 10,000 current or former heavy smokers over age 60 to test an innovative lung cancer-screening tool.
The New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program will use computerized tomography scanning to diagnose lung cancer at its earliest stages.
The higher-tech X-ray is painless and shows more detail than traditional X-rays, experts said.
Researchers hope to confirm findings of an earlier CAT-scanning pilot project.
The city will use $4 million of its tobacco settlement money to fund the program.
Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield will fund another $1 million, and The New York Community Trust will add $520,000.
Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in Wakefield is one of nine institutions in the state and the only Bronx medical facility to be awarded funding to screen volunteers.
Minority participants are especially needed because they statistically show higher rates of lung cancer. Ten hospitals will participate in the program. To enroll, call (866) 693-5227.
Cigarettes
