Iowa Among Top 10 Best States for Lung Cancer Screening, According to New Report

The 2022 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Iowa ranks 8th in the nation for lung cancer screening rates. The American Lung Association’s 5th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Iowa 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. Here in Iowa, the lung cancer survival rate is below the national average at 22.6%. The report also highlights that 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. In Iowa, Black Americans are least likely to receive surgical treatment.

“Lung cancer screening is key to early diagnosis, and early diagnosis saves lives. Unfortunately, here in Iowa, not enough people are getting this lifesaving screening,” said -    Dr. Jason Wittmer, Broadlawns Medical Center Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Section Chief, and Local Leadership Board member of the American Lung Association in Iowa. “We all can help reduce the burden of lung cancer in Iowa. If you think 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.

Iowa also has one of the highest radon rates in the country, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. That’s why the American Lung Association supported passage of the Gail Orcutt School Radon Safety Act signed into law by Governor Reynolds on May 24, 2022, requiring radon testing in all Iowa public schools and if necessary, mitigation of any risks for radon. 

The report found that Iowa ranked:

• 37^th in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 62.8 per 100,000. The national rate is 56.7 per 100,000.
• 35^th in the nation for survival at 22.6%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 25%.
• 44^th in the nation for early diagnosis at 23.1%. Nationally, only 25.8% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 8^th in the nation for lung cancer screening at 10%. 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.
• 39^th in the nation for surgery at 17.2%. 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.
• 17^th in the nation for lack of treatment at 18.4%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

“State of Lung Cancer” highlights that Iowa 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.