Lung cancer survival increases in Arkansas

The American Lung Association recently released its 2023 State of Lung Cancer report, which shows an improving survival rate. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Arkansas and the United States.

In Arkansas, the rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis rose from 21.2% last year to 22.6% this year. Nationally, the survival rate increased from 25% to 26.6% over the same period.

“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 Laura Turner, ALA’s advocacy director for Arkansas and Missouri. “We need to keep up the momentum to save more lives.”

Nationally, 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when there’s a 63% survival rate, the report shows. However, 44% of cases are diagnosed at a late stage when the survival rate is 8%. The early diagnosis rate was not available for Arkansas this year because the COVID-19 pandemic affected data collection. The pandemic also affected data collection for the rates of new lung cancer cases, surgery and lack of treatment.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, those 50 to 80 years old who smoked one pack a day for 20 years and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years are high risk and should be screened annually. However, the report shows the lung cancer screening rate in Arkansas fell to 3.7% this year from 4.3% last year. Nationally, the rate fell to 4.5% from 5.8% over the same period.

Tobacco use accounts for between 80% and 90% of lung cancer cases, according to the report. Second-hand smoke, radon and air pollution exposure also cause lung cancer. The report shows Arkansas had the second-highest smoking rate at 21.1%, up from 20.5% last year. West Virginia has the highest rate at 22%. Nationally, the rate is 13.5%, down from 14.3% last year.