Arizona Receives Mixed Reviews in Lung Association’s Annual Lung Cancer Report

The American Lung Association (ALA) has issued a report indicating that Arizona’s response to lung cancer is largely below average. This annual report serves as a critical evaluation of state-level efforts to combat lung cancer awareness and prevention.

Dr. Richard Gillespie, a thoracic surgeon at HonorHealth Heart Care, emphasized the primary risk factor: smoking. “It’s No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, but it’s not the only risk,” he explained, underscoring the multifaceted nature of lung cancer.

The ALA’s assessment considered six key factors in its ranking. Arizona showed an above-average rate of new lung cancer cases, achieving an average mark for early diagnosis. However, the state fell below average in survival rates, surgical treatment, and overall lack of treatment and screening access.

Lung cancer remains the foremost cancer killer in the U.S., according to JoAnna Strother, ALA’s Senior Director of Advocacy. “It’s crucial that people eligible for screening consult their healthcare providers,” she urged, aiming to raise awareness about available interventions.

Data reveals that just 27.1% of those diagnosed with lung cancer in Arizona survive five years post-diagnosis, a figure that trails the national average of 28.4%. The state’s incidence rate stands at 42.6 new cases per 100,000 people, reflecting a lower occurrence than the national average of 53.6, placing Arizona seventh overall.

This year, Arizona has seen a 19% improvement in new lung cancer cases, aligning with a 15% national average rise.

The ALA highlights a concerning trend among high-risk groups in Arizona. Adults aged 50 to 80 who have a significant history of smoking—those who smoked a pack daily for 20 years, current smokers, or those who quit within the last 15 years—constitute the majority of potential cases. Alarmingly, only 14% of these at-risk individuals have undergone screenings, a slightly lower figure compared to the national average of 16%, placing Arizona 37th in this regard.

Dr. Gillespie remarked on the challenges faced in encouraging screenings. “People in Arizona tend to be very independent; they resist being instructed on what to do. Awareness around lung cancer screening is still developing,” he noted, emphasizing the community’s need to inform residents about screening options that could mitigate their lung cancer risk.

Nationally, lung cancer claims approximately 361 lives per day. Despite this grim statistic, the survival rate has witnessed a remarkable 44% increase over the past decade.

Dr. Gillespie also pointed out disparities in healthcare access, particularly for recent immigrants and residents in less affluent neighborhoods. “Outreach is essential; we must ensure that everyone has the resources necessary to prioritize their health,” he stated.