Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths, and it’s estimated that 3,930 Maryland residents will be diagnosed with this disease in 2020 alone. The 2020 “State of Lung Cancer” report from the American Lung Association finds that while more Americans are surviving the disease, people of color are facing poorer health outcomes than white residents, and Maryland can do more to improve early diagnosis and lung health racial disparities.
The 3rd annual “State of Lung Cancer” report examines the toll of lung cancer throughout the nation and outlines steps every state can take to better protect its residents from lung cancer. For the first time, this year’s report explores the lung cancer burden among racial and ethnic groups at the national and state levels.
This year’s “State of Lung Cancer” highlights the positive trend of increased lung cancer survival, as the nationwide five-year lung cancer survival rate of 22.6% reflects a 13% improvement over the past five years. In Maryland the survival rate is among the top in the nation (7 out of 47) at 25.4%.
The stage at which someone is diagnosed with lung cancer varies significantly by state. Nationally, only 22.9% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the five-year survival rate is much higher at (59%). While Maryland has an average ranking of 23.6% for lung cancer early diagnosis, the study finds that Asian American or Pacific Islanders in Maryland are 19% least likely to be diagnosed early compared to white residents.
“While we celebrate that more Americans are surviving lung cancer, too many people are being left behind, and the disease still remains the leading cause of cancer deaths,” said Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy, MD, DE, D.C, WV, American Lung Association. “Much more can and must be done in Maryland to prevent the disease and support all those facing the disease.”
Part of the reason that lung cancer is so deadly is because most cases are diagnosed at a later stage, after the disease has spread. Lung cancer screening is the key to catching lung cancer early when the disease is most curable. While this simple screening test has been available since 2015, only 8.3% of those eligible in Maryland have been screened. While Maryland ranks above the national average for screening, it falls short of what is needed to protect residents from this deadly disease.
“Lung cancer screening is a powerful tool to save lives,” said Casper. “It’s a relatively new test, and we’re only seeing a fraction of those who qualify actually getting screened. We’re pushing for greater awareness of this test to save more lives here in Maryland.”
More treatment options are available for lung cancer than ever before, yet not everyone is receiving treatment following diagnosis. While the state ranks above average for treatment with 12.6% of those diagnosed not receiving any form of treatment (ranking 13 out of 48 states measured), there is much more to be done to protect the lung health of Maryland residents.
“We want to ensure that everyone has access to treatment options and quality and affordable healthcare. No one who wants care should have to forgo treatment due to lack of access or cost,” Casper said.
Learn more about "State of Lung Cancer" at Lung.org/solc. For media interested in speaking with a lung cancer expert about advances in lung cancer and the "State of Lung Cancer" 2020 report or lung cancer survivor about their experience, contact Val Gleason at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 717-971-1123.
