Over the past few years, the Medical Society of the County of Erie has led a comprehensive Shine a Light on Lung Cancer campaign each November to highlight the lifesaving importance of early lung cancer detection in Western New York. In our region, lung and bronchus cancer incidence and mortality remain substantial, with Erie County’s lung cancer rates historically higher than state averages in some populations, and tobacco use continues to drive a large share of cancer burden. Environmental factors such as air pollution have also been associated with increased lung cancer risk in Erie County and across New York State.
The Medical Society of the County of Erie partnered with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), and GO2 for Lung Cancer to address these critical health needs. The campaign focused on increasing awareness of lung cancer screening and early detection, particularly among people at higher risk because of current or past tobacco use. The initiative targeted both healthcare providers and the public, emphasizing that lung cancer has a far better prognosis when found early—5‑year survival can approach 90% for very early-stage disease, yet only about 13% of eligible individuals in Western New York currently receive recommended screening.
Campaign Elements
Public outreach included a broad, high-visibility presence across the community:
- Billboard campaign on Highway 33
- Skyboard display at the Galleria Mall food court (mid-November through January 10)
- Public service announcements on local radio, including a Lung Screening PSA on WBLK ( Listen)
These efforts were designed to reach communities in Western New York where smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, and neighborhood-level factors contribute to elevated lung cancer risk, and where improving screening rates can have an outsized impact on survival.
Key Statistics
- Approximately 90% survival when lung cancer is detected at the earliest stage, compared with much lower survival when found late.
- Only about 13% of eligible people in Western New York currently receive recommended lung cancer screening, leaving a large gap in early detection.
- Tobacco use remains a major driver of cancer in Erie County; between 2015–2019, thousands of cancers each year were linked to tobacco use, and lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death.
- Research in Erie County and New York State has shown associations between air pollution (including particulate matter) and lung cancer risk, underscoring the importance of both smoking cessation and environmental health in our region.
Campaign Partners
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute
- Erie County Medical Center (ECMC)
- GO2 for Lung Cancer
This collaborative effort demonstrates our community’s commitment to improving health outcomes by increasing awareness of lung cancer risks, promoting evidence-based screening, and supporting early detection initiatives for the people of Western New York. To learn more about lung cancer screening eligibility and guidelines, visit GO2 for Lung Cancer’s screening information.
Learn More and Access Resources
For patients, families, and clinicians seeking more information, we encourage you to explore these trusted resources:
GO2 for Lung Cancer
- About Screening (who should be screened, how LDCT works, and why it matters).
- Educational and printable materials on lung cancer screening and care.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Lung Cancer Prevention & Screening (risk assessment and screening program details).
- Lung Cancer Screening Program (how to get started, call 1‑800‑ROSWELL, scheduling, and follow-up care).
Erie County Medical Center (ECMC)
- ECMC “Medical Minute” on lung cancer screening (video segment explaining the importance of screening).
- ECMC Cancer Care and Thoracic Oncology services, including advanced technologies for early lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Regular updates on lung health and screening efforts are shared in our Medical Society Insights eNewsletters for members and the broader community. You can also look for our Shine a Light on Lung Cancer campaign each November, when we renew our focus on education, screening, and early detection across Western New York.