Lexington, Kentucky, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center has received a significant grant from the National Cancer Institute to expand its lung cancer screening initiative across 60 locations in the U.S. This funding aims to enhance early detection and treatment of lung cancer for high-risk patients, utilizing advanced technologies for same-day diagnosis and treatment. The initiative seeks to address Kentucky’s high lung cancer rates while improving accessibility to critical services amid challenges posed by potential cuts in Medicaid funding.
Lexington, Kentucky — The University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center has received a significant grant from the National Cancer Institute to broaden its successful lung cancer screening initiative. This new funding will allow the expansion of the Quality Improvement Program to 60 locations across the U.S., enhancing early detection and treatment of lung cancer for high-risk patients.
The grant focuses on the Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening (QUILS™), a system developed at the UK Markey Cancer Center that coordinates patient care and improves screening quality. Effective early detection using low-dose CT scans can lead to lung cancer being treated successfully—an essential factor, given that lung cancer rates in Kentucky are among the highest in the nation.
As part of this initiative, the UK Markey Cancer Center is currently demonstrating cutting-edge technology aimed at achieving same-day lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes using advanced systems such as the ION Endoluminal System and da Vinci 5 surgical robots. Traditional diagnosis methods can take weeks or months, but the new technology significantly reduces waits, allowing patients to receive care in a single visit.
Research shows that earlier intervention in lung cancer cases can drastically improve survival rates. In line with this, the Kentucky LEADS (Lung cancer, Education, Awareness, Detection, and Survivorship) Collaborative has been operational since 2014, striving to increase awareness and improve patient outcomes in the state.
Kentucky’s status as a leading state for lung cancer is largely attributed to historical factors like smoking, radon exposure, and health issues associated with coal mining. However, recent effective lung cancer screening efforts have led to a marked increase in rural areas. For instance, the number of low-dose CT scans for screening at Hazard’s hospital has doubled between 2019 and 2024. Presently, Kentucky holds the second-highest rate of lung cancer screening for high-risk patients in the United States.
The program is not only confined to Kentucky, as it is set to expand into other states including Nevada and Mississippi with the support of pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb. Despite these advancements in lung cancer screening, challenges remain; impending cuts in Medicaid funding threaten the accessibility of these critical services, potentially undermining the ongoing efforts to improve cancer care in the state.
The UK Markey Cancer Center has gained national recognition for its efforts in enhancing rural cancer care, focusing on collaboration with local health facilities and implementing higher quality standards. Nevertheless, disparities in cancer care between rural and urban areas continue to pose significant issues, establishing a pressing need for ongoing interventions that aim to close this gap and enhance health outcomes in Kentucky’s rural communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lung cancer screening program?
The lung cancer screening program at the University of Kentucky aims to improve early detection and treatment of lung cancer using the Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening (QUILS™).
How will the grant impact lung cancer screening?
The grant will help expand the lung cancer screening program to 60 sites nationwide, enhancing accessibility and improving early detection among high-risk patients.
What technology is being used for testing and treatment?
The program utilizes advanced technologies, such as the ION Endoluminal System and da Vinci 5 surgical robots, allowing for same-day lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
How has the lung cancer screening rate changed in Kentucky?
Kentucky has seen a substantial increase in lung cancer screenings, particularly in rural areas, with the rate of low-dose CT scans at Hazard’s hospital doubling between 2019 and 2024.
What challenges does the program face?
Despite its successes, the program faces challenges from impending cuts in Medicaid funding, which could limit access to lung cancer care services.
Key Features of the Lung Cancer Screening Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| National Expansion | Expanding to 60 sites across the U.S. |
| Early Detection | Utilizes low-dose CT scans to identify lung cancer early when it is most treatable. |
| Same-Day Diagnosis and Treatment | Implementation of advanced technologies for immediate patient care. |
| Increased Screening in Rural Areas | Notable growth in screening, with significant increases in low-dose CT scans at hospitals. |
| Collaborative Efforts | Working with local health facilities to enhance cancer care quality. |
| Challenges | Potential impact from cuts in Medicaid funding affecting access to services. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky Woman Celebrates Cancer-Free Milestone with Robotic Surgery
Saint Joseph Hospital’s Legacy in Lexington’s 250-Year History
Saint Joseph Health Hospitals Achieve National Recognition
Kentucky Hospitals Shine in America’s Best Cancer Care Rankings
Progress in the Fight Against Lung Cancer in Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Kentucky New Era
- Wikipedia: Lung Cancer
- LEX18
- Google Search: lung cancer screening Kentucky
- Spectrum News 1
- Google Scholar: lung cancer treatment advancements
- STAT News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: cancer care
- WKYT
- Google News: lung cancer treatment Kentucky
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