Lung Cancer in The Bronx: Diagnosis Rates Drop Despite High Incidence | NYC Health News

Bronx Leads⁤ the Charge in lung ‍Cancer Early Detection: new Initiatives Offer Hope

The Bronx is at the forefront of a critical battle against lung⁣ cancer, with innovative⁢ programs and ‌legislative efforts aiming to dramatically improve early detection rates and save lives.Recent ‌advancements at ⁢Montefiore Einstein ‍Center for⁤ cancer Care (MECCC) coupled with a⁤ new ‌mobile screening unit​ and proposed ​federal legislation are offering‌ renewed ​hope to a‍ community disproportionately ​affected by this devastating disease.

A Turning Tide in Lung Cancer diagnosis

MECCC ‍has achieved significant success in ⁤reversing late-stage lung cancer ⁢diagnoses. This accomplishment follows the ⁤center’s lung cancer team receiving a prestigious award from the International Association for ⁣the ⁢Study of Lung cancer‌ in September. Notably, they⁤ were the only North American recipient, nominated by grateful patients, families, and caregivers for delivering outstanding ⁢cancer care. ​

This success⁣ is translating into real-world impact for residents like Paulie Ammirato, a Bronx resident and former engineering director at Montefiore. ‌”When⁣ an irregularity‍ was found on my CT ​scan, Dr. Stiles quickly arranged for my ‍surgery,” Ammirato shared. She credits the ⁤swift action and expert care with ​her triumphant ‍recovery and ‌return‍ to an active lifestyle, calling the team her ⁢”guardian angels.”

Bringing Screening to the Community

Recognizing the urgent need for increased access to screening, Congressman ​Ritchie Torres (NY-15) recently announced the launch of ⁤a new mobile lung cancer screening unit in The Bronx. This initiative, unveiled during a press conference with Weill Cornell Medicine on‌ November ​25, 2025, aims to address the borough’s alarmingly high rate of advanced ⁣lung cancer diagnoses.

The ​mobile unit will provide:

* Low-dose CT scans: A‍ crucial ⁤tool for early ⁤detection.
* Care navigation: Guidance through the screening and follow-up process.
* Smoking cessation support: Resources to help individuals quit smoking, a major risk factor for lung cancer.

This brings vital services directly to neighborhoods facing longstanding barriers to healthcare access.

Federal Legislation to Expand Access

Alongside the mobile⁢ unit, Congressman Torres introduced the Lung Cancer Screening Expansion Act⁣ of 2025. This ⁢bill seeks‌ to ensure thorough insurance coverage for annual lung cancer screenings for adults aged 50-80 who are at increased⁤ risk.

The proposed legislation⁣ would:

* ⁣ Require full coverage by private​ insurers and federal health programs.
* ‍ Eliminate out-of-pocket costs for screenings.
* prohibit prior authorization, step-therapy, and other administrative hurdles that⁤ can delay care.

“in The Bronx,peopel are dying ‌because they’re being diagnosed with lung cancer ⁤far too late,” Torres stated. “That isn’t acceptable. This​ mobile unit brings lifesaving screenings right to our streets, and my bill will make sure ⁣cost ⁤and paperwork can’t stand in the way.”

MECCC: A Legacy of Cancer Care ⁢and Equity

Founded in 1971 ‌and‌ designated an NCI cancer center as 1972,⁢ MECCC is dedicated to reducing the cancer burden for all, with a particular focus on historically underrepresented groups. ​ Thier commitment to ⁣equitable care is a driving force behind‍ these innovative initiatives.⁤

Early detection is paramount in⁣ the fight ‌against lung cancer. If you ​are ‌between 50 and 80 and have a history of smoking, or⁤ other risk factors, talk to your doctor about lung​ cancer screening. Your health is your most valuable asset, and proactive screening could save your life.

Resources:

* ‌ Norwood News Report on ‌MECCC Award