The American Lung Association released its 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report, highlighting improved survival rates for lung cancer over the past five years. Despite this overall progress, there are serious disparities among Black and Latino communities when it comes to survival rates.
The report emphasizes the need for better messaging about the importance of screening for lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. With over 120,000 lives lost to the disease each year, it is crucial to address the barriers that prevent early diagnosis and treatment.
The national survival rate for lung cancer has increased by more than 5 percentage points, attributed to advancements in targeted immunotherapies, increased awareness of the disease, and improved access to screening. However, the report also reveals disparities at the state and community level, with Utah having the lowest rate of new lung cancer cases and Kentucky having the highest, likely due to varying smoking rates across different regions.
Furthermore, the data indicate that Black and Latino individuals have lower survival rates compared to White individuals, highlighting the need to address disparities in access to screening and treatment. Stigma surrounding the disease and limited access to screening for different communities are key factors contributing to this disparity.
Efforts to address disparities in lung cancer survival rates should include targeted outreach and education efforts, as well as addressing barriers to screening and treatment, particularly in underserved communities. These efforts are crucial in improving overall survival rates for all individuals affected by lung cancer.