New information shows the early detection of lung cancer in the Bronx is saving lives.

Lung cancer patient Paul Ammirato says that during a CT scan four years ago, doctors noticed a nodule on his lung.

He went to Dr. Brendon Stiles, at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. After surgery and a nine-month recovery, Ammirato say he is grateful he is alive.

“I started to feel better in a few months, went back to work, and I’m here today all thanks to Dr. Stiles, his team and Montefiore," Ammirato said.

Through enhanced screenings, clinical trials and community education, Montefiore says it is now finding cancers when they are more treatable and curable.

According to data released from Montefiore Einstein, in 2021, 26% of lung cancer diagnoses were in stage 1, compared to 45% in 2024. Over the same time, stage 4 diagnoses dropped from 53% to 34%.

Doctors say this also allows people to live longer.

"We really believe they were impacting the ability to cure these patients that we’re going to find early lung cancer, we’re going to prevent stage 4 lung cancer, and we’re going to cure these patients with the cancer," Dr. Stiles said.

Stiles also says even non-smokers should still get screened for lung cancer.