UNM Health Sciences announced that the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center has initiated a dedicated lung cancer screening program. This new clinic is designed to provide screening, minimally invasive testing, and follow-up, systematically offering these services to eligible individuals at UNM. The program started in November aligning with Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Setting a precedent for improved access to crucial healthcare services, the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center recently introduced a dedicated lung cancer screening program in November, aligning with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, to enhance accessibility to crucial screening services. In its initial phase, the program is focused on refining clinical procedures, integrating new equipment, and developing the capability to screen a large number of individuals for lung cancer. Led by Dr. Akshu Balwan, who joined UNM in 2020, the program involves collaboration with faculty and staff from various UNM organizations, aiming to address the low screening rates in New Mexico and improve early detection, providing patients with more treatment options, according to a press release by UM Health Sciences.
Drawing upon the combined expertise of their team members,"We have the experience and the tools here," said Balwan, UNM pulmonologist, according to a press release by UM Health Sciences. "Dr [Jennifer] Nishimura, our thoracic surgeon, is experienced in robotic surgery. I myself do robotic bronchoscopies and other minimally invasive advanced diagnostic procedures."
With alarming statistics predicted for the future,The National Cancer Institute estimates nearly 240,000 new diagnoses in 2023 will cause more than 127 thousand deaths. The collaboration's efforts include not only refining clinical procedures and incorporating new equipment but also addressing the low screening rates in New Mexico. While the American Cancer Society estimates that 960 people in the state will be diagnosed with lung cancer, only 2% of eligible New Mexicans undergo screening, highlighting the critical need to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, according to a press release by UM Health Sciences.
Highlighting the severity of this health crisis,"Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers," said Balwan, UNM pulmonologist, according to a press release by UM Health Sciences. "It is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the US and worldwide."
