New Report Reveals Oregon Leads Country in Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Oregon ranks 7th in the nation for early diagnosis of lung cancer. This means that Oregon is among the best in the nation for diagnosing lung cancer in early stages, 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 Oregon and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates. 

The report also found that Oregon ranked 12th in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases and 6th for 5-year survival rates.  In Oregon, Indigenous Peoples are most likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer. 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, in Oregon, 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 Carrie Nyssen, Senior Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Oregon. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Oregon and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to increase lung cancer screening rates and improving treatment.”  

The report found that Oregon ranked: 

• 12 out of 48 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 49.4 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000. 
• 6 out of 42 in the nation for survival at 30.6%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 26.6%. 
• 7 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 29.6%. Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher. 
• 28 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 4.5%. 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. 
• 15 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 21.7%. 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. 
• 21 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 18.7%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment. 

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