URGENT UPDATE: Arkansas has just been ranked 47th out of 51 states for new lung cancer cases, according to a critical report released by the American Lung Association on July 15, 2023. This alarming statistic highlights significant concerns regarding lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in the state.
The report reveals that Arkansas has a staggering 68.2 new lung cancer cases per 100,000 people, vastly exceeding the national average of 52.8 cases per 100,000. Alarmingly, only 16.6% of high-risk individuals in Arkansas were screened for lung cancer, which is lower than the national average of 18.2%.
“Screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CT scans among those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% by detecting the disease at early stages when it is more likely to be curable,” the report emphasizes. This highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and access to lung cancer screenings in Arkansas.
High-risk individuals are defined as those aged 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history, including those who have smoked one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. Those currently smoking or who have done so in the past 15 years also fall into this category.
The report notes that Arkansas is one of 12 states lacking available survival data, as the state does not track lung cancer cases and diagnoses comprehensively. This absence of data is concerning, especially given the rising incidence of lung cancer in the area.
Laura Turner, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association, stated, “In the last decade, we have seen incredible progress, including increases in lung cancer survival and early detection rates, meaning more people in Arkansas are living longer after a lung cancer diagnosis. While this progress gives us hope, early detection and survival rates are far too low in our state.”
The data presented in the report reflects the most recent figures from 2022, with no statistics available for the previous two years, indicating a significant gap in tracking and understanding the lung cancer landscape in Arkansas.
As authorities and health advocates work to address these issues, the report underscores the urgent need for improved screening and treatment options. The focus now shifts to increasing awareness and access to lung cancer screenings, which are critical to saving lives in Arkansas.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
