American Lung Association Report: Lung Cancer Screening Rate Above Average in Kansas With Room For Improvement

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Kansas ranks 14th in the nation for lung cancer screening rates with 7 percent of Kansans at high risk for lung cancer getting screened. This means that Kansas is among the best in the nation for lung cancer screening, however, more work is needed to reduce the burden of lung cancer. The American Lung Association’s 6th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Kansas and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

The report also found that Kansas ranked 36th in the nation for adult smoking rates. Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, accounting for 80 to 90% of cases. And Kansas ranks 35th in the nation for positive radon tests (results greater or equal to 4 pCi/L). Radon is the number 1 cause of lung cancer death for non-smokers. In Kansas, all but three counties have radon test results greater or equal to 2 p/Ci/L, according to the Kansas Radon Program. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) estimates that as many as 200 new cases of radon-related lung cancer occur each year in Kansas.

Nationally, the “State of Lung Cancer” report found that lung cancer survival rates are improving for everyone, including people of color. In fact, the five-year lung cancer survival rate for people of color has increased by 17% in the last two years, helping close the health disparity gap.

“The lung cancer survival rate has improved nationally because of increased awareness, improved access to healthcare and cutting-edge research into new treatments for the disease,” said Sara Prem, director of advocacy in Kansas and Nebraska at the American Lung Association. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Kansas and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to in smoking cessation and awareness of the need for radon testing.”

The report found that Kansas ranked:

• 19 out of 48 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 54.61 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000.
• 14 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 7.0%. 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 4.5% of those at high risk were screened.

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights that Kansas must do more to reduce the burden of lung cancer and encourages everyone to help end lung cancer. Join the Lung Association’s efforts by asking your member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 4286, the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act at Lung.org/SOLC.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight for Air Climb is coming up in greater Kansas City, Sunday, March 3, 2024. Learn more at KCClimb.org.

Media Resources:

• B-Roll is available here:
  • Lung Cancer Screening: LungCancerB-roll_Final.mp4 | Powered by Box
  • Doctor and Patient: Broll: Doctor and patient consultation.mp4 | Powered by Box
• American Lung Association logos are available here: Media | American Lung Association