Free Lung Cancer Screening
East Syracuse, NY - With November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Hematology/Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) and CRA Medical Imaging (CRA) are offering free lung cancer screenings on Saturday, Nov. 8, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in two locations:
- HOA, 5008 Brittonfield Parkway, East Syracuse, NY 13057
- HOA, 5490 Cobbler Way, Camillus, NY 13031
Appointments are required by calling (315) 472-7504, extension 1301. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
“Early detection is the best tool we have against lung cancer. By offering these free screenings with HOA, we want to give people at risk the chance to catch problems sooner, when treatment can be most effective,” states CRA’s Chief Operating Officer Jacqui Floyd.
Who qualifies for a free screening?
This free Lung Cancer Screening is available for people at high risk for lung cancer, meaning they must meet all the following criteria:
- Are 50 to 80 years old
- And, are currently a heavy smoker or one who has quit within the last 15 years
- Heavy smoking is defined as:
- one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years
- two packs of cigarettes per day for 10 years
- And, have NOT previously received a free lung cancer screening through this program
- Heavy smoking is defined as:
Anyone unsure if they meet the guidelines can take our simple quiz at hoacny.com/lungscreening.
Is it really free?
This annual clinic is absolutely free as a community service from HOA and CRA. No charges associated with the screening test will be charged for qualified individuals.
What does the screening involve?
The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). During an LDCT scan, the patient lies on a table fully clothed and the CT scanner uses a small amount of radiation to make detailed 3-D images of their lungs. The scan takes approximately one minute and is not painful. While this scan will expose the patient to a low-dose of radiation, LDCT uses 75% less radiation than a traditional CT scan and shows more detail than a standard chest X-ray.
Why get screened?
“Lung cancer screening is an annual preventive health measure for current and former heavy smokers who are at high risk for lung issues. Like a mammogram or colonoscopy most people who get screened do not have cancer,” explains Ajeet Gajra, M.D., a medical oncologist/hematologist and HOA’s Chief Scientific Officer. “The value of annual screening is the chance to detect changes in your lungs from year to year potentially seeing new findings earlier than if you were to wait for symptoms to occur.”
What happens after the screening?
“A lung cancer screening may find nothing or it may find something abnormal or suspicious. An abnormality does not always mean it’s a cancer, but it may need closer follow-up or additional testing,” explains Gajra.
Based on results, patients are welcome, but not required, to seek follow-up care with an HOA physician and our Pulmonology Nurse Practitioner, Jillian Eastman, NP. Eastman supports the care of any lung disease patient from pre-diagnosis through all phases of treatment.
“Screening is about more than finding cancer early — it’s about giving patients peace of mind and connecting them with resources like smoking cessation programs and ongoing support,” states Eastman.
What happens if I am unable to attend this free screening event?
Anyone who meets the above criteria can contact HOA’s Lungs for Life Program at 315.472.7504 to arrange a lung cancer screening at a time convenient for them. The Lungs for Life Program is a lung cancer screening scan and appointment with a healthcare provider to review results and recommendations. In most cases insurance will pay for the testing. It can also be paid out-of-pocket for approximately $250.
About Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY
HOA is a private community cancer center established in 1982 with a mission to provide the highest level of quality care in a healing environment for the mind, body and spirit of patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders. A member of the Community Oncology Alliance, HOA has offices in East Syracuse, Auburn and Camillus. HOA achieves its mission with a multi-faceted team dedicated to holistic, patient-centered care with treatments, preventive care and clinical research. HOA also serves as an American Society of Clinical Oncology designated oncology medical home (OMH) which means all care plans center around what is best for the patient. With an emphasis on quality of care versus quantity, OMH patients generally experience lower costs, higher satisfaction, reduced medical errors, and are better-informed. For more information visit hoacny.com.
About CRA Medical Imaging
CRA Medical Imaging (CRA) is one of the largest radiology groups in Central New York providing imaging services and procedures in a range of specialties. Continually investing in the latest technologies, CRA offers care in East Syracuse with certified and experienced staff. All CRA facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology in Mammography, Computed Tomography (CT), Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT, providing patients a higher standard of imaging quality, care, and radiation dose protection. For more information, visit craimaging.com.
