New Report Reveals Colorado Lags Behind Country in Lung Cancer Screening

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Colorado ranks 40th in the nation for screening rates. This means that Colorado is among the worst in the nation for lung cancer screening, so more work is needed to reduce the burden of lung cancer. The American Lung Association’s 6th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Colorado and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

The report also found that Colorado ranked 4th in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases and 6th in the nation for early diagnosis. In Colorado, Asian or Pacific Islander individuals in Colorado are least likely to be diagnosed early. 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 Colorado, 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 Nick Torres, Advocacy Director of the American Lung Association in Colorado. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Colorado and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to increase lung cancer screening and address health disparities.”  

The report found that Colorado ranked:

• 4 out of 48 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 38.54 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000.
• 7 out of 42 in the nation for survival at 30.4%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 26.6%.
• 6 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 29.8%. Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 40 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 2.6%. 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.
• 10 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 23.3%. 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.
• 22 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 19.1%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

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

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