Statewide effort seeks to catch lung cancer earlier
New Mexicans at high risk for lung cancer can now receive a free, 90‑second low‑dose CT screening through an offering from the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation. The program removes insurance barriers, co‑pays and follow‑up costs in an attempt to boost a screening rate that ranks the state near the bottom nationally.
Early detection is a primary tool against lung cancer. The American Lung Association says annual low‑dose CT scans for people at high risk can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20%. Yet only 9.1% of eligible New Mexicans are screened each year, placing the state 49th in the nation for screening participation.
The new screenings take about a minute and a half to complete and are offered at no cost. The foundation also covers follow‑up testing when additional evaluation is required — a significant provision where screening is often hindered by subsequent care costs.
Why this matters locally
New Mexico’s low screening rate aligns with troubling outcomes: the state ranks near the bottom in early diagnosis, surgical treatment rates and overall survival. Public‑health advocates have noted persistent disparities in care. The American Lung Association reports that Indigenous Peoples in New Mexico are the demographic most likely to receive no treatment after a lung cancer diagnosis.
Medical experts stress that lung cancer is not limited to people with smoking histories alone: "anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer," and timely screening is the most consistent method to improve chances of curative treatment.
- Screening duration: about 90 seconds per CT scan.
- Cost to patient: $0 (no insurance, co‑pay, or follow‑up costs).
- State screening rate: 9.1% of eligible New Mexicans are screened annually.
- Mortality reduction: up to 20% with annual low‑dose CT for high‑risk individuals.
Practical information for residents
Typical out‑of‑pocket pricing for a lung CT without insurance ranges between $100 and $400, according to the program summary — costs that can deter low‑income and uninsured patients. The foundation’s program removes this financial barrier and also pledges to coordinate follow‑up care when needed.
To schedule a screening, the foundation directs people to call 505‑857‑8460 or use the program’s scheduling link. The outreach is intended to make screening accessible to people who otherwise could not afford testing or subsequent diagnostics.
What to consider before screening
Eligibility for low‑dose CT screening typically targets people at higher risk for lung cancer; the foundation’s announcement does not list specific eligibility criteria in its summary. Patients should contact the foundation by phone to confirm whether they meet the program’s requirements and to learn about follow‑up pathways if the scan identifies abnormalities.
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Average CT scan time | 90 seconds |
| Cost to uninsured participant | $0 through the foundation program |
| Typical uninsured CT cost outside program | $100–$400 |
| New Mexico screening rate | 9.1% (49th in the U.S.) |
| Potential mortality reduction | Up to 20% with annual low‑dose CT in high‑risk people |
The foundation’s program arrives against a backdrop of regional health disparities and a long memory of under‑resourced cancer care in parts of the state. For many New Mexicans living far from major medical centers, screening access and the costs of diagnostic follow‑up can make the difference between early, treatable disease and late‑stage diagnosis.
By removing direct costs and streamlining follow‑up, the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation aims to chip away at those barriers. Residents who believe they may be at risk for lung cancer are urged to contact the foundation to learn about eligibility and scheduling.
