DETROIT – (November 15, 2022) – The 2022 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Michigan ranks 39th in the nation for early diagnosis of lung cancer. The American Lung Association’s 5th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Michigan and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.
The report
found that Michigan ranked:
- 34th in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 62.1 per 100,000. The national rate is
56.7 per 100,000.
- 39th in the nation for early diagnosis at 24.1%. Nationally, only 25.8% of cases are diagnosed at
an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
- 16th in the nation for lung cancer screening at 8.1%. 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 5.8% of those at high risk were screened.
- 29th in the nation for surgery at 19.2%. 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.
- 18th in the nation for lack of treatment at 18.5%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no
treatment.
The report
also highlights that people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face
worse outcomes compared to white Americans, including lower survival rate, less
likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment and
more likely to receive no treatment. In Michigan, Indigenous Peoples are most
likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer.
“Lung cancer screening is key to early diagnosis, and early diagnosis saves lives. Unfortunately, here in Michigan, not enough people are getting this lifesaving screening, including Indigenous Peoples,” said Ken Fletcher, Advocacy Director at the American Lung Association. “We all can help reduce the burden of lung cancer in Michigan. If you are eligible for lung cancer screening, we encourage you to speak with your doctor about it. If a loved one is eligible, please encourage them to get screened.”
Currently,
14.2 million Americans meet the US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines
for screening. Under these guidelines, a person is eligible for lung cancer
screening if they are between 50-80 years of age, have a
20 pack-year history (1 pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years) and
are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years. Find out if
you are eligible for lung cancer screening at SavedByTheScan.org.
“State of Lung Cancer” highlights that Michigan must do more to reduce the burden of lung cancer and encourages everyone to join the effort to end lung cancer. Learn more about the report, and email President Biden to thank him for his leadership on the Cancer Moonshot Initiative and urge
him to work to increase lung cancer screening for individuals at high risk at
Lung.org/solc.
Media
Resources
###
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives
by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education,
advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on
four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for
all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their
families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the
American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and
is a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
American Lung Association
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org
