Access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge in rural and underserved communities, where distance, limited medical facilities, and provider shortages create barriers to essential services. For conditions like lung cancer, early detection is critical, yet many at-risk individuals struggle to access regular screenings. DMS Health, in partnership with Philips Healthcare, have helped provide the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center the equipment it needed to tackle that exact problem in Buffalo, NY. With assistance from the state, Early Detection Driven to You, or “Eddy” for short, launched their lung screening on wheels program aimed at increasing access to early lung cancer detection services, particularly among high-risk groups such as firefighters and other first responders.
Eddy’s Impact on the Local Community
Since its launch in late 2022, Eddy has screened over 1,200 community members, detecting at least five early-stage lung cancers. The outcomes highlight the program’s effectiveness in identifying cancers at a treatable stage, thereby significantly improving patient prognosis. In New York State, only 6% of eligible people have been screened for lung cancer (roswellpark.org). Because of this, too many lung cancer patients already have advanced and difficult-to-treat disease at the time of diagnosis.
How Does Eddy Work?
Eddy operates from a custom-built 43-foot tractor-trailer, bringing low-dose CT scans directly to patients and healthcare facilities with on-the-go accessibility. It is capable of up to 20 screenings per day and the entire scanning process takes about 10 minutes. The collaboration has been instrumental in equipping Eddy with advanced imaging technology and enhancing the quality and efficiency of these screenings. The success of this partnership underscores the importance of combining medical expertise with innovative technology to improve public health outcomes.
Improving Outcomes Across the U.S.
Eddy exemplifies how strategic partnerships and technological innovation can come together to address critical healthcare challenges, bringing essential services directly to those who need them most. If your organization is looking for a diagnostic imaging solution customized to your needs, reach out to DMS Health today to find out more!
Who is Eligible for Lung Cancer Screenings?
You should be screened for lung cancer if you have:
- A history of cancer of the lung, esophagus, head or neck (excluding cancer of the thyroid) – or –
- The following three factors:
- Age 50 to 79
- 20 Pack/Years of smoking history
- Smoked within the past 15 years