New Report Reveals Indiana Lung Cancer Screening Rate is Too Low

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” (SOLC) report reveals Indiana ranks 24th in the nation for lung cancer screenings. The state has a 5.1% rate for lung cancer screenings compared to the national average of 4.5%. Annual lung cancer screenings for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20%. Indiana fell four spots from its 20th ranking for lung cancer screening rates in 2022.

The American Lung Association’s 6th annual SOLC report, released today, grades states on six categories, state rates of new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates. Indiana data for most categories is not available this year because Indiana did not report data for them due to the impact of Covid-19 on cancer surveillance in 2020.

Nationally, the “State of Lung Cancer” report found 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, 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 Tiffany Nichols, Advocacy Director at the American Lung Association in Indiana. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Indiana and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to improve screening rates.”

The report found that Indiana ranked:

• 24 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 5.1%. 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.

Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in our state. Indiana needs stronger policies around radon such as radon disclosures in real estate transactions, testing and mitigation in homes and schools. Additionally, increasing our state’s cigarette tax is a proven way to stop youth from becoming smokers and will increase the number of Hoosier adults that quit using tobacco.

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights that Indiana 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 in Indianapolis is coming up this spring on March 9. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/Indianapolis.

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