Delaware Ranks Among Best States for Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment, But There is More Work to be Done, According to New Report

The 2022 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Delaware ranks among the top at 9 in the nation for early diagnosis and 11 for lung cancer screening. The American Lung Association’s 5th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Delaware and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

Nationally, the “State of Lung Cancer” report shows continued progress for lung cancer survival. The lung cancer five-year survival rate is now 25% and increased 21% from 2014 to 2018. The report also highlights that nationally people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face worse outcomes compared to white Americans, including lower survival rate, less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment and more likely to receive no treatment. 
    
“Lung cancer screening is key to early diagnosis, and early diagnosis saves lives. While Delaware is ranked as one of the top states in the nation for those at high risk getting screened, there is more work to be done and more lives to save,” said Deborah Brown, Chief Mission Officer at the American Lung Association. “We all can help reduce the burden of lung cancer here in the First State. If you are eligible for lung cancer screening, we encourage you to speak with your doctor about it. If a loved one is eligible, please encourage them to get screened.”

Currently, 14.2 million Americans meet the US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for screening. Under these guidelines, a person is eligible for lung cancer screening if they are between 50-80 years of age, have a 20 pack-year history (1 pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years) and are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years. Find out if you are eligible for lung cancer screening at SavedByTheScan.org.

The report found that Delaware ranked:
•    35 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 62.2 people per 100,000. This marks a 28% improvement over last five years. The national rate is 56.7 per 100,000.
•    16 in the nation for survival at 26% and marks a 26% improvement over past five years. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 25%.
•    9 in the nation for early diagnosis at 27.8% and marks a 22% improvement over last five years. Nationally, only 25.8% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher. 
•    11 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 8.9%. 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 5.8% of those at high risk were screened.
•    23 in the nation for surgery at 20%, marking a 50% improvement over past five years. Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.8% of cases underwent surgery.
•    24 in the nation for lack of treatment at 19.2%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

“State of Lung Cancer” highlights that Delaware must do more to reduce the burden of lung cancer and encourages everyone to join the effort to end lung cancer. Learn more about the report, and email President Biden to thank him for his leadership on the Cancer Moonshot Initiative and urge him to work to increase lung cancer screening for individuals at high risk at Lung.org/solc.

Media Resources
•    Lung cancer and lung cancer screening b-roll is available here: LungCancerB-roll_Final.mp4 | Powered by Box
•    American Lung Association logos are available here: Media | American Lung Association