American Lung Association's 'State of Lung Cancer' report
reveals stark differences in survival, screening and treatment
across states
CHICAGO, Nov. 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lung cancer is the leading
cause of the cancer deaths in the U.S., but the American Lung
Association's 2024 "State of Lung Cancer" report reveals positive
news. The lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% in the last
five years. The report also presents opportunities for states to
further improve lung cancer survival by increasing access biomarker
testing, and for the federal government to work to increase access
to screening.
The organization's seventh annual "State of Lung Cancer" report
highlights how the toll of lung cancer varies by state and examines
key indicators throughout the U.S. including new cases, survival,
early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, screening
rates and insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker
testing.
"More people with lung cancer are living longer, and that is
something to celebrate. However, lung cancer is still the leading
cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American
Lung Association. "This year's 'State of Lung Cancer' report
provides a path for states and the federal government to take to
improve the lives of people living with this devastating disease.
Increasing lung cancer screening rates and expanding biomarker
testing are enormous opportunities to catch cancer earlier and
provide the best treatments for people diagnosed with the disease.
There is more work to do, but I am incredibly optimistic about the
future of lung cancer care."
New this year, "State of Lung Cancer" examines insurance
coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing across the U.S. Lung
cancer biomarker testing, sometimes referred to as tumor,
molecular, genomic or genetic testing, looks for changes in the
tumor's DNA. The results of the test may show biomarkers that
can help determine what treatment options would be best for an
individual patient. Insurance coverage of biomarker testing is
important for removing a cost barrier to people with lung cancer,
but coverage for biomarker testing is only required in some
states. The report found that only 15 states require insurance
coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, five states require
some plans to cover testing, and 30 states and Washington, D.C. have yet to require any
coverage of biomarker testing.
The report also closely tracks lung cancer screening nationally
and by state. In 2023, only 16% of those eligible were screened
nationally. Rhode Island has the
best screening rating at 28.6%, while Wyoming has the worst at 8.6%. Note that this
year, the Lung Association used a new data source for lung cancer
screening rates, so they cannot be compared to previous "State of
Lung Cancer" reports.
Close to 235,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung
cancer this year. In addition to screening rates and state health
coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, which were discussed
above, the 2024 "State of Lung Cancer" report found the following
national trends in survival rate, early diagnosis, surgery, lack of
treatment and health disparities:
- Survival Rate: Lung cancer has one of the lowest
five-year survival rates because cases are often diagnosed at later
stages, when it is less likely to be curable. The national average
of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
Survival rates were best in Massachusetts (37.9%) and worst in
Oklahoma (22.2%).
- Early Diagnosis: Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are
diagnosed at an early stage when the five-year survival rate is
much higher (64%). Unfortunately, 43% of cases are not caught until
a late stage when the survival rate is only 9%. Early diagnosis
rates were best in Massachusetts
(34.7%), and worst in Hawaii
(21.1%).
- Surgery as First Course of Treatment: Lung cancer can
often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage
and has not spread. Nationally, 20.7% of cases underwent surgery.
Surgical treatment rates decreased by 2% in 2021, likely due to the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization of medical
care.
- Lack of Treatment: There are multiple reasons why
patients may not receive treatment after diagnosis. Some of these
reasons may be unavoidable, but no one should go untreated because
of lack of provider or patient knowledge, stigma associated with
lung cancer, fatalism after diagnosis or cost of treatment.
Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment. Lack of
treatment rates were highest in Nevada (36.7%), and lowest in Massachusetts (13.2%).
- Health Disparities: The report also highlights that
people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face worse
outcomes compared to white individuals. According to "State of Lung
Cancer," people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer are
less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to be alive five
years after diagnosis, less likely to receive surgical treatment
and more likely to receive no treatment. More must be done to
eliminate lung cancer health disparities.
The 2024 "State of Lung Cancer" report highlights opportunities
for states and the federal government to reduce the burden of lung
cancer and encourages everyone to help end lung cancer. This year,
the American Lung Association calls for all states to implement
policies to require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker
testing. The Lung Association also calls on Congress to pass the
Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act (H.R. 4286).
Learn more about "State of Lung Cancer" at Lung.org/SOLC.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization
working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung
disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the
American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives:
to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve
the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families;
and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the
American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity
Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support
the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at
Lung.org/events.
This year, the American Lung Association is celebrating
120 years! Join us in our journey to champion
lung health and help us celebrate 120 Years of Impact. Donate
today at
Lung.org/donate.
CONTACT: Jill Dale | American
Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289E:
Jill.Dale@Lung.org
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SOURCE American Lung Association