New Report Reveals Wisconsin is 9th Best in Nation for Lung Cancer Screenings

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals Wisconsin ranks 9th best in the nation for lung cancer screenings and 16th best for survival rate. The state has a 7.3% lung cancer screening rate 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%. 

The American Lung Association’s 6th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Wisconsin and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

The report also shows Wisconsin ranks 12th best in the nation for diagnosing lung cancer cases early. The state saw a 28.3% rate compared to the national average of 26.6%. The state also ranks high, 16th in the nation, for survival rates. Wisconsin data shows it has a rate of 27.4% for keeping people alive five years after lung cancer diagnosis compared to the national average of 26.6%.

“Thankfully, in Wisconsin, 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 Molly Collins, Advocacy Director at the American Lung Association in Wisconsin. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Wisconsin and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to prevent new lung cancer cases across the state.” 
 
The report found that Wisconsin ranked:

• 28 out of 48 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 57.51 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000.
• 16 out of 42 in the nation for survival at 27.4%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 26.6%.
• 12 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 28.3%. Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 9 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 7.3%. 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.
• 14 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 21.9%. 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.
• 10 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 17.4%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

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

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.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb-Milwaukee is taking place on Saturday, March 9. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/Milwaukee.