Lung Cancer Report: Michigan’s Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis Among Worst in the Nation

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Michigan ranks 41st in the nation for early diagnosis of lung cancer, two spots lower than last year when it ranked 39th. This means that Michigan continues to be among the worst in the nation and 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 Michigan and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

The report also found that Indigenous Peoples in Michigan are most likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer. Michigan also ranked poorly for adult smoking and surgical treatment.

“Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Michigan and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to get high-risk individuals screened and get them the surgical treatment they need to save lives,” said Ken Fletcher, Advocacy Director at the Lung Association.  

The report found that Michigan ranked:

• 34 out of 48 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 60.0 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000.
• 41 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 24.6%. Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 11 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 7.1%. 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.
• 29 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 19.0%. 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.
• 19 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 18.5%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights that Michigan 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.

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.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb in Detroit is coming up on May 19. Learn more at FightForAir.org/Detroit.