Lung Association Report: Georgia Ranks Among the Worst States for Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis

The 2021 “State of Lung Cancer” report shows that people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face worse outcomes compared to whites, and that Georgia ranks among the worst in the nation for early diagnosis of lung cancer. 

The American Lung Association’s 4th annual report, released today, 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 and screening rates. This is the second year that the “State of Lung Cancer” report explores the lung cancer burden among racial and ethnic minority groups at the national and state levels.

The report reveals that the lung cancer five-year survival rate increased 14.5% nationally to 23.7% yet remains significantly lower among communities of color. In fact, while the national lung cancer survival rate increased, it remains at only 20% for communities of color and 18% for Black Americans. In Georgia, the most prominent health disparity is that Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders are least likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer early, followed closely by Black Americans who are second least likely to be diagnosed early.

“While we celebrate that more Americans are surviving lung cancer, too many people are being left behind, and the disease remains the leading cause of cancer deaths,” said June Deen, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Georgia. “Much more can and must be done in Georgia to prevent the disease and support those facing the disease, like making sure everyone has access to quality and affordable healthcare.”

The report found that Georgia ranked:

• 30th in the nation for lung cancer incidence at 61.8 per 100,000 (average). Incidence refers to the number of new cases of lung cancer in each state. The national lung cancer incidence is 57.7 per 100,000.
• 31st out of 45 (states for which data is available) in the nation for survival at 21.8% (below average). The national average of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 23.7%.
• 39th out of 49 in the nation for early diagnosis at 22.6%. Nationally, only 24.5% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the five-year survival rate is much higher. This is among the worst in the nation.
• 32nd out of 50 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 5.5% (average). 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 5.7% of those at high risk were screened.
• 34th out of 49 in the nation for surgery at 18.3% (below average). 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. This is also well below the national average.
• 33rd out of 49 in the nation for lack of treatment at 22.1% (average). Nationally, 21.1% of cases receive no treatment.
• In Georgia, the most prominent health disparity is that Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders are least likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer early, followed closely by Black Americans who are second least likely to be diagnosed early.

While the “State of Lung Cancer” report findings show significant work to be done, there is hope. In March of 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force expanded its recommendation for screening to include a larger age range of more current or former smokers. This dramatically increased the number of women and Black Americans who are eligible for lung cancer screening.

The Lung Association encourages everyone to join the drive to end lung cancer. Go to Lung.org/solc to learn more about lung cancer in your state and sign our petition to increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect our nation’s health from disease, including lung cancer.

For current and former smokers, there are lifesaving resources available. Find out if you are eligible for lung cancer screening at SavedByTheScan.org, and then talk to your doctor about getting screened. 

Learn more about "State of Lung Cancer" at Lung.org/solc.