11/20/2024

American Lung Association Releases Its Annual Report

The American Lung Association launched their seventh annual State of Lung Cancer research report showing the toll lung cancer takes on each state in the country. Examining rates of new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, screening, and insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, this report indicates that states must do more to protect their residents from lung cancer.

Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in Massachusetts. To address the burden of lung cancer and to help improve the lives of people it impacts, we must continue to evaluate the greatest needs. This report helps us prioritize which areas to focus on to truly make an impact. This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that while Massachusetts residents are getting screened, diagnosed early, and surviving lung cancer – we can do better on both treatments – with increased biomarker testing – and prevention. Unfortunately, the report also found that Asian or Pacific Islander individuals in Massachusetts are least likely to be diagnosed early. While anyone can get lung cancer, addressing things like tobacco use and radon can make a difference.

The report found that Massachusetts ranked:

• 31 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 57.6 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 1 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 37.9%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 1 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 34.7%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 2 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 24.2%. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20%. Nationally, only 16% of those at high risk were screened.
• 1 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 31.8%. 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.
• 1 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 13.2%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.

Please see the attached one pager and click here to read more in-depth data from our 2024 State of Lung Cancer Massachusetts report.