New Report Reveals Kentucky Ranks 2nd in Nation in Lifesaving Lung Cancer Screening Rates

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Kentucky ranks 2nd in the nation for lung cancer screening rates, putting Kentucky among the best in the country in the category; Kentucky ranked 4th last year. The state continues to screen thousands of people year after year for the past four years, helping Kentucky move up in the rankings.

The American Lung Association’s 6th annual report, released today, highlights the toll of lung cancer in Kentucky 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, nationally 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 Shannon Baker Advocacy Director for Lung Association in Kentucky. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Kentucky and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do help people quit smoking.”

The report found that Kentucky ranked:

• 48 out of 48 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 84.8 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000.
• 39 out of 42 in the nation for survival at 21.6%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 26.6%.
• 38 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 24.8%. Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 2 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 10.6%. 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.
• 26 out of 47 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.
• 19 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 18.5%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

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

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb in Louisville at Lynn Family Stadium is coming up on March 24. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/Louisville.