New Report Reveals Washington Leads Country in New Lung Cancer Cases

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that Washington ranks 13th in the nation for new lung cancer cases. This means that Washington is among the best in the nation for percentage of new cases in the state, however 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 Washington and examines key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

The report also found that Washington ranked 13th in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases and 16th for treating lung cancer with surgical intervention. In Washington, Indigenous Peoples are least likely to receive surgical treatment. 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 Carrie Nyssen, Senior Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Washington. “However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Washington and across the nation, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to focus on lung cancer treatment and screening.”

The report found that Washington ranked:

• 13 out of 48 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 49.7 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000.
• 23 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 27.0%. Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 26 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 4.9%. 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.
• 16 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 21.5%. 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.
• 27 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 20.3%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

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

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