American Lung Association Report: Lung Cancer Lung Cancer Screening Too Low in Nevada

Today, the American Lung Association in Nevada released its 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report, which finds that the lung cancer screening rates in the state is far too low at 1.4%. Working to increase lung cancer screening rates is key to addressing the burden of lung cancer in Nevada. The 6th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Nevada and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

The report also found that Nevada ranked 35th in the nation for smoking rates and 12th for radon testing. 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.

“Thankfully, nationally, the lung cancer survival rate has improved because of increased awareness, improved access to healthcare and cutting-edge research into new treatments for the disease,” said JoAnna Strother, Senior Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Nevada. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Nevada and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to focus advancing treatment and surgical intervention.”

The report found that Nevada ranked:

• 35 out of 51 in the nation for smoking rates at 15.5%. The national rate of people who smoke 13.5%.
• 47 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 1.4%. 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 Nevada 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 – Scale the Strat in Las Vegas is coming up on February 25th, 2024. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/LasVegas.

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