DELAWARE — The American Lung Association’s 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report has ranked Delaware 12th in the nation for early lung cancer survival. The annual report, released today, examines key lung cancer indicators across the state, including new cases, survival rates, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, and screening rates.
Despite the promising ranking, the report also highlights that more work is needed to reduce the burden of lung cancer in the state. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Delaware and across the nation.
Deborah Brown, Chief Mission Officer at the American Lung Association, commented on the report’s findings: “Thankfully, in Delaware, 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. However, our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do, including making sure no one is left behind in efforts to improve lung cancer survival.”
Key findings from the report include:
- Delaware ranks 27 out of 48 states for the rate of new lung cancer cases, with 57.4 per 100,000 people. This represents a 32% improvement over the last five years.
- The state ranks 10 out of 47 states for early diagnosis at 28.4%, surpassing the national average of 26.6%.
- For lung cancer screening, Delaware ranks 18 out of 51, with 6.3% of those at high risk being screened, compared to the national average of 4.5%.
- The state ranks 17 out of 47 for surgery at 21.3%, marking a 32% improvement over the past five years.
- In terms of lack of treatment, Delaware ranks 25 out of 47, with 19.6% of cases receiving no treatment, slightly below the national average of 20.6%.
The report also draws attention to racial disparities in early diagnosis, with Black individuals in Delaware being 20% less likely than white individuals to receive an early diagnosis.
The report concludes by urging everyone to join the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer. It encourages residents to ask their member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 4286, the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act.
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