New Report Reveals Vermont Leads Country in Lung Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis and Survival Rates

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Vermont ranks in the top 5 in the nation for screening, early diagnosis, and 5-year survival rates when it comes to lung cancer.  This means that Vermont is among the best places in the nation for those at risk for or living with lung cancer.  The American Lung Association’s 6th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Vermont and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

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 Vermont, 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 Trevor Summerfield, director of advocacy at the American Lung Association. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Vermont and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to ensure that all those eligible for screening speak to their doctors.” 

The report found that Vermont ranked:

• 25 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 56.4 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000.
• 5 in the nation for survival at 30.6%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 26.6%.
• 5 in the nation for early diagnosis at 30.3%. Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 4 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 10%. 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.
• 26 in the nation for surgery at 19.5%. 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.
• 32 in the nation for lack of treatment at 21.3%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

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