The American Lung Association just released its sixth annual “State of Lung Cancer” report. While the numbers appear to be promising, experts say there is work to be done.
A UPMC doctor called Pennsylvania “the best of the worst” when it comes to lung screenings. He said CT scans are some of the most effective screenings out there and stressed the importance of getting them if you’re high risk — meaning smokers that meet certain guidelines.
“Even though survival is improving, it’s still killing more men and women than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer combined,” said Dr. Timothy Burns of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
He is talking about lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer deaths in Pennsylvania and across the country.
“Pennsylvania is coming in eighth in the nation for lung cancer screening, tenth for survival, and seventh for lung cancer treatment,” said Aimee VanCleave, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association.
Those are some of the best rankings you’ll find in the report, released Tuesday morning, but experts say much more is needed to increase survival, starting with lung screenings.
“We’re doing a really horrible job. We’re at 7.4 percent. That puts us in the top 10,” said Burns.
Experts say those in the early stages of the disease won’t always have symptoms, but stressed that’s when it’s most curable, which is why it’s imperative to get checked out.
Burns says CT scans should be covered by insurance and Medicaid.
Current guidelines for the “high-risk” category include people ages 50 to 80, who either currently smoke tobacco or quit in the last 15 years and have smoked a pack a day for 20 years or a half pack a day for 40 years.
“This is something that our primary care doctors need to be doing. By the time they see me, it’s too late,” said Burns.
The report found that Pennsylvania ranked poorly for radon test results, lower than the EPA recommended action level at 39 out of 51 states. Experts say while smoking is a risk, air quality, radon exposure and genetics all play into the likelihood of getting lung cancer.
“In Pennsylvania, people who are Asian or Pacific Islander are least likely to be diagnosed early when the five-year survival rate is much higher, so we know that social disparities lead to health disparities,” VanCleave said.
Experts say legislation in Harrisburg would completely eliminate indoor smoking. If passed, the lung association says it would close loopholes and protect Pennsylvanians from second-hand smoke in casinos, truck stops, private clubs and more.
“As long as these exemptions remain in place, workers are forced to choose every day between their paycheck and their health,” VanCleave said.
Doctors say to visit savedbythescan.org to see if you are eligible for an early lung cancer screening.
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