New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program: NY-ELCAP

 

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

The best hope of curing lung cancer is finding it as early as possible.  If you are at risk, this new test can detect tiny spots on your lungs years before they would ever be seen on a regular chest x-ray. These tiny spots, or nodules, may be signs of early lung cancer.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program, known as NY-ELCAP, is a research study to determine if low-dose CT scanning technology is an effective screening technique to detect lung cancer in it's earliest stages for people at high risk for the disease.

ABOUT THE TEST

The Low-dose screening CT is a quick 20-second scan of your chest and lungs. The CT scanner is shaped like a donut, with a table that quickly slides you in and out of the machine.  No injections or medications needed.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT

If you qualify for the NY-ELCAP study, the screening CT exam is FREE.  Based on the results, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary.  The payment for those tests will be your responsibility, most insurance companies cover these costs.  Your results will be reviewed by a team of researchers and then will be discussed with you and your sponsoring physician.

 

 

As an attorney specializing in car accident cases, I'm incredibly grateful for resources like NYELCAP.org. The New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program represents the kind of proactive, life-saving approach that resonates deeply with what I see in my practice.

Many of my clients come to me after devastating accidents that change their lives in an instant. These traumatic events often lead to comprehensive medical evaluations where underlying health issues are unexpectedly discovered. I've had several clients whose car accident-related imaging incidentally revealed lung nodules that might otherwise have gone undetected until symptoms appeared at a much later stage.

What impresses me most about NY-ELCAP is the emphasis on early detection for high-risk individuals. The program's approach—using low-dose CT scans to identify lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages—mirrors what I advocate for my clients: thorough evaluation and proactive care following traumatic incidents.

The fact that NY-ELCAP offers free screening to qualified individuals is particularly meaningful. So many of my clients face financial barriers to healthcare after accidents deplete their resources and leave them unable to work. Programs removing those barriers can truly save lives.

I also appreciate NY-ELCAP's commitment to reaching underserved communities. In my practice across Houston's diverse neighborhoods, I've witnessed how healthcare disparities affect recovery outcomes after accidents. The same communities facing barriers to post-accident care often lack access to preventative screening programs like this one.

Thank you for this valuable resource. While representing clients through the aftermath of accidents, I've gained a deep appreciation for any program that helps people avoid preventable suffering. I'll be sharing information about NY-ELCAP with colleagues and clients alike. Reginald Alta

 

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP) demonstrated that low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) screening conducted on persons with a high risk for lung cancer has the potential to markedly increase the detection of small, early lung cancer.  In a study of 1,000 individuals with 10 pack-year histories of cigarette smoking reported in Lancet (July 10, 1999;354, pages 99-105), Henschke et al showed that malignancies detected by the CT screening were missed on high quality chest radiographs 85 percent of the time, confirming the expectation that, relative to traditional chest radiography, CT-based screening markedly enhances the detection of small non-calcified nodules and, thus, of lung cancer at earlier and  more curable stages relative to what is known to prevail in absence of screening.  On baseline screening, non-calcified nodules were detected three times as commonly (23% vs 7%) by CT as by chest radiography, malignancies four times as commonly (2.7% vs 0.7%) and Stage I malignancies six times as commonly (2.3% vs 0.4).  Of the 27 lung cancers detected in this population, 23 (85%) were Stage I as compared to only 15% of cancers found in a non-screened population.  Preliminary results of annual repeat CT screening are also very encouraging since the lung cancers found on incidence screening are typically less than 10 mm in size, and over 80% of them are Stage IA and therefore anticipated to have very high cure rates (>80%).

Representing a partnership of 37 of New York’s pre-eminent medical schools, academic health centers, and research institutions, AMDeC is uniquely positioned to implement a broad-scale study to further test the effectiveness of CT screening.  The New York Early Lung Cancer Action Project (NY-ELCAP), using an alternative methodology to the randomized control trial, will validate these results in a larger segment of the population to be screened at 11 of AMDeC’s member institutions.  These institutions will work together to enroll up to 10,000 women and men aged 60 or older who have a ten pack-year history of cigarette smoking, no prior cancer, and are fit to undergo thoracic surgery, if warranted.  Enrollee data will be directly entered by investigators and their research team into the local, as well as central database, and all images will be sent to a central image repository.  The Principal Investigator for the study will be Dr. Claudia Henschke, Professor of Radiology and Division Chief of Chest Imaging at the Weill College of Medicine of Cornell University; the Weill Medical College will serve as the coordinating academic center for the study.

A major focus of the NY-ELCAP will be recruiting minority populations. Lung cancer affects communities of color at disproportionately high rates, and is more fatal in these communities than in comparable populations of Caucasian individuals.  For example, the mortality rate for African American men with lung cancer in the mid-1990s was over 46 percent higher than the mortality rate for white men with the disease.  This difference is in large part due to the fact that many minority communities have limited access to health care information, diagnostic procedures, and medical treatments. Thus any study that evaluates the effectiveness of lung cancer screening should necessarily draw its sample from underserved and medically disadvantaged communities.

This recruitment of minority participants will be done through extensive community outreach efforts.  Participating institutions will partner with community-based organizations in their catchment area in order to enroll participants from target racial and ethnic groups into the study.  In addition, the study will establish a Community Advisory Board made up of prominent leaders from New York’s various communities.  The members of this Board will promote the study within their communities as well as advise the study on its community-based recruitment efforts.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I at risk for developing lung cancer?

You may be at risk if you are or have been a smoker and are 60 years old and older.  

Why would I want to have a lung cancer screening CT?

The best hope for curing lung cancer is finding it as early as possible.  If you are at risk , this new test is able to detect tiny spots on your lungs (called nodules) that may be indicative of lung cancer in its earliest stage.

I’ve had chest x-rays before, why would I want to have this scan?

A chest x-ray only shows two views of your chest (front and side), while a CT scan shows cross-sectional images all through your chest-from the tips of your lungs through the lung bases.  Thus, tiny abnormalities (that could be early stage lung cancer) can be found which would never have been seen on a chest x-ray.

How does the Screening CT test work?

The screening CT test is a quick 20-second scan of your chest and lungs.  The CT machine is shaped like a donut, with a table that quickly slides you in and out of the donut.  No injections or medications are needed.

How much radiation is used in the Screening CT scan?

The screening CT scan is a low-dose scan. The radiation dosage is two to three times more than from a standard chest x-ray.

Will this test (CT) show other lung abnormalities besides cancer?

Yes. Old or new pneumonia, tuberculosis, or emphysema may be detected.

Will my heart be evaluated on the low-dose chest CT?

A limited evaluation will be done.  The radiologists are able to see heart size and can detect calcifications in the arteries when present.

Will I benefit from a low dose lung cancer screening CT?

A study was performed on 1,000 current and former smokers, over 60, with no history of cancer (Lancet) and found a significant number of early stage lung cancers, which would not have been seen on a conventional chest x-ray.

What is the NY-ELCAP CT Screening study?

The New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program, known as NY-ELCAP, is a study to determine if low-dose CT scanning is an effective screening technique to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages for people at high risk for the disease.

Why is the NY-ELCAP research project important?

This research study will confirm whether the use of new CT screening technology can dramatically improve the early detection of lung cancer among people at high risk.

Am I eligible to join the NY-ELCAP CT Screening study?

To be eligible you must be:
· 60 years of age or older
·A current or former smoker of at least one (1) pack per day for (10) years ( or two packs per day five years)
·No prior cancer of any type (except non-melanotic skin cancer).
·In good health 

How much will the Screening CT cost?

If you qualify for the NY-ELCAP study, the screening CT exam is free.  Based on the results, diagnostic tests may be recommended for follow-up. The cost of those tests, or insurance coverage for them will be your responsibility.   

How will I receive the results of the CT Screening?

Results will be mailed to you and your sponsoring physician.  In addition to mailing results of the study, they will be discussed with your sponsoring physician.  A team of researchers also will review results.

I’m interested.  How do I make an appointment?

Please call the NY-ELCAP study hotline at toll-free 1-866-693-5227 (NY-ELCAP) or pre-register on line to be connected with a site near you. When you call, a coordinator will determine your eligibility for the study. We ask that you please be prepared to give the following information:
: Your name, address, phone number, birth date, parent’s first  names and smoking history as well as a convenient time for you to schedule a scan

When can I schedule an appointment?

The times will vary from site to site.  Once we have all your demographic information we will be able to schedule you for a specific time and date. 

How long will my appointment take?

The actual CT scan takes only about 5 minutes total (with set up and scanning time).  So you are only exposed (scanned) for the 20-30 seconds that you will hold your breath.  The registration and interview with the coordinator may add an additional 25-30 minutes to your visit.  We recommend setting aside one hour of your schedule for this appointment, even though it should not take that long.

 

More Background on NYELCAP.org

NYELCAP.org is the official website of the New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program (NY-ELCAP), a pioneering initiative dedicated to the early detection of lung cancer through low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening. The program is a collaborative effort among some of New York’s most prominent medical and academic institutions, aiming to save lives by identifying lung cancer at its most treatable stages. This article offers a comprehensive overview of NYELCAP.org, including its history, ownership, goals, impact, and cultural significance, as well as insights into its public perception, press coverage, and the communities it serves.

History and Founding

Origins of ELCAP and NY-ELCAP

The roots of NYELCAP.org trace back to the Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP), established in 1992 at Cornell University Medical Center (now Weill Medical College of Cornell University). The project was initiated by a group of physicians and researchers who recognized the potential of helical CT imaging for early lung cancer detection. Their goal was to improve survival rates by identifying lung cancer before symptoms appeared, when treatment is most effective.

By 1999, ELCAP had screened over 1,000 high-risk, asymptomatic participants, demonstrating that more than 80% of lung cancer cases detected were at clinical Stage I, a dramatic improvement over traditional detection methods. These findings, published in The Lancet, inspired the creation of the New York Early Lung Cancer Action Program (NY-ELCAP), which expanded the research to a broader population across New York State.

Launch and Expansion

NY-ELCAP was formally launched in 2000 as a statewide consortium led by Dr. Claudia Henschke, then Chief of Chest Imaging at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center. The program aimed to screen 10,000 current or former heavy smokers, aged 60 or older, who had no prior cancer and were fit for thoracic surgery if needed. The initiative was made possible through a partnership of 37 leading medical schools and research institutions in New York, coordinated by the Academic Medicine Development Company (AMDeC).

Ownership and Leadership

NYELCAP.org is operated as part of the NY-ELCAP research initiative, with oversight and coordination provided by Weill Medical College of Cornell University. The program’s principal investigator is Dr. Claudia Henschke, an internationally recognized expert in chest imaging and lung cancer screening. The broader consortium includes AMDeC and its member institutions, which collectively contribute to the program’s governance, data management, and outreach efforts.

Program Goals and Mission

Core Objectives

The primary mission of NY-ELCAP is to determine the effectiveness of low-dose CT scanning in detecting lung cancer at its earliest, most curable stages among high-risk individuals. The program focuses on:

  • Early Detection: Identifying lung cancer before symptoms appear, when it is most treatable.

  • Reducing Mortality: Improving survival rates for lung cancer by catching the disease in its initial stages.

  • Community Outreach: Ensuring that underserved and minority populations have access to screening and information.

Screening Test and Procedures

About the Test

The low-dose screening CT is a quick, non-invasive scan of the chest and lungs. The procedure typically takes about 20 seconds, requires no injections or medications, and uses a CT scanner shaped like a donut, with a table that slides the patient in and out of the machine.

  • Radiation Exposure: The scan uses a low dose of radiation, about two to three times that of a standard chest x-ray.

  • Detection Capability: The CT scan can identify tiny lung nodules and other abnormalities that may not be visible on a standard chest x-ray.

  • Additional Findings: Besides cancer, the scan can detect pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, and provide limited evaluation of the heart.

Eligibility and Cost

To qualify for the NY-ELCAP study, participants must:

  • Be 60 years of age or older

  • Be a current or former smoker with at least a 10 pack-year history

  • Have no prior cancer (except non-melanotic skin cancer)

  • Be in good health and fit for thoracic surgery if needed

Qualified participants receive the screening CT exam for free. If additional diagnostic tests are required based on the results, those costs are typically covered by insurance.

Popularity and Reach

NY-ELCAP is recognized as one of the largest and most influential lung cancer screening programs in the United States. Its collaborative model, involving 37 medical schools and research institutions, has enabled it to reach thousands of high-risk individuals across New York State. The program’s emphasis on minority and underserved populations has further expanded its impact, addressing health disparities in lung cancer outcomes.

Community Engagement and Social Significance

Focus on Underserved Populations

A major focus of NY-ELCAP is recruiting minority and underserved populations, who face disproportionately high rates of lung cancer and often have limited access to healthcare. The program partners with community-based organizations and has established a Community Advisory Board made up of leaders from various communities to promote participation and provide guidance on outreach efforts.

Cultural Impact

By prioritizing early detection and accessibility, NY-ELCAP has become a model for similar programs nationwide. Its commitment to equity in healthcare and proactive screening has been widely recognized in both the medical community and the broader public.

Awards and Recognition

While specific awards may not be prominently listed, NY-ELCAP’s research and leadership, particularly that of Dr. Claudia Henschke, have been widely cited and honored in academic and medical circles. The program’s findings have influenced national guidelines for lung cancer screening and have been published in leading medical journals.

Reviews and Public Perception

NYELCAP.org and the NY-ELCAP program have received positive feedback from both medical professionals and the public. Testimonials from attorneys, patients, and healthcare providers highlight the program’s life-saving potential, its accessibility, and its focus on early detection. The program is especially valued by those who have experienced the challenges of late-stage lung cancer diagnosis or have seen the benefits of early detection through incidental findings in unrelated medical imaging.

Press and Media Coverage

NY-ELCAP has been featured in major medical journals, including The Lancet, and has been covered by various news outlets for its innovative approach to lung cancer screening. The program’s research has been cited in discussions about national screening guidelines and has contributed to broader awareness of the importance of early detection.

Menu of Services

NYELCAP.org provides detailed information about:

  • Eligibility criteria for screening

  • How to make an appointment

  • What to expect during the screening

  • Frequently asked questions about lung cancer risk, screening, and follow-up

  • Contact information for the NY-ELCAP study hotline

Location and Proximity

NY-ELCAP operates through a network of 11 AMDeC member institutions across New York State. Participants are connected with a screening site near their location when they register for the program. This decentralized model ensures broad accessibility for individuals throughout the state.

Audience and Who It Serves

The primary audience for NYELCAP.org includes:

  • High-risk individuals (current and former smokers aged 60+)

  • Healthcare providers seeking to refer patients for screening

  • Community organizations involved in public health outreach

  • Families and caregivers of individuals at risk for lung cancer

Known For

NY-ELCAP is known for:

  • Pioneering early lung cancer detection using low-dose CT

  • Serving as a model for similar screening programs nationwide

  • Its focus on reaching underserved and minority communities

  • Influencing national screening guidelines and best practices

Details, Insights, and Examples

  • Data Management: Enrollee data is entered into local and central databases, and all images are sent to a central repository for analysis.

  • Research Leadership: Dr. Claudia Henschke’s leadership has been instrumental in the program’s success and reputation.

  • Community Partnerships: The program’s collaboration with community-based organizations enhances its ability to reach target populations.

  • Impact on Guidelines: Findings from NY-ELCAP have contributed to changes in national recommendations for lung cancer screening, particularly the use of low-dose CT for high-risk groups.

 

NYELCAP.org serves as a comprehensive resource for information on early lung cancer detection and the NY-ELCAP screening program. Its collaborative, research-driven approach, commitment to equity, and focus on early intervention have made it a critical player in the fight against lung cancer. Through outreach, innovation, and a dedication to serving high-risk and underserved populations, NY-ELCAP continues to set the standard for lung cancer screening programs.


NYELCAP.org