PROVIDENCE – Recently released data from the American Lung Association shows that Rhode Island is a national leader in the screening, early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
The American Lung Association’s “State of Lung Cancer” report looks at rates of new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment or lack of treatment, screening and insurance coverage for lung cancer by state.
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Rhode Island ranked No. 1 in the nation for early diagnosis at 34.7% of cases, according to the report. Across the U.S., 27.4% of cases are diagnosed early.
The state also ranked No. 1 for lung cancer screening at 28.6% of patients. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans for those at a high risk can reduce the death rate by up to 20%. Only 16% of high-risk patients were screened across the U.S.
Rhode Island was No. 2 in the nation for survival rate at 35.2%, while the national rate of people living five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
Rhode Island was No. 4 in the nation for surgery at 25.4% of cases, while nationally 20.7% of cases underwent surgery.
“This progress is the result of the coordinated efforts of many organizations, as well as the dedication of Rhode Island’s primary care professionals who make time to discuss annual lung cancer screening with patients,” said RIDOH Director of Health Dr. Jerry Larkin. “Lung cancer is preventable. Not smoking is the single most important thing people can do to prevent lung cancer. Help is available day and night if you are ready to quit.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the state, according to RIDOH. The American Cancer Society estimated that 440 Rhode Islanders will die of lung cancer this year and 960 will be diagnosed.
“Lung cancer is the second-most-common cancer in both men and women and stands as the overall leading cause of cancer death in the United States,” said Elizabeth Valett, associate director of state partnerships at the American Cancer Society. “We are honored to collaborate with the Lung Cancer Screening Task Force and applaud Rhode Island’s excellent ALA lung cancer rankings. This will move us closer to a world without cancer.”
Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 risk factor of lung cancer, as it is linked to approximately 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Also, people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from it than those who do not smoke. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of lung cancer at any age.
Radon exposure is the No. 2 leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms in rock, soil and water and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. It can get into homes or buildings through cracks or holes and get trapped and build up in the air. Radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. Testing is the only way to know if there are high radon levels.
RIDOH suggested the following methods to prevent lung cancer: don’t smoke – either don’t start, or quit if you do – help is available through QuitNowRI; avoid secondhand smoke; test your home for radon; and get screened for lung cancer if you are at a higher risk – people who should be screened include those who smoke regularly now or who have quit within the past 15 years, and those who are between 50 and 80 years old.
In 2018, the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, the American Cancer Society and RIDOH’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program partnered to form the Rhode Island Lung Cancer Screening Task Force. The focus is on improving lung cancer screening rates and health outcomes for survivors in the state. RIDOH funds the organizing efforts, and the community engagement work of the task force was supported by the American Cancer Society.
Many are involved with the task force, including the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Rhode Island Medical Imaging Inc., Care New England Health System, Brown Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence Veterans Administration Hospital, American Lung Association, and RIDOH.
Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer. You can reach her at Castellani@PBN.com.
