RI's New Lung Cancer Case Rate Among Highest In U.S.: Report

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island has one of the highest rates of new lung cancer cases in the United States, according to the 2022 "State of Lung Cancer" report released Tuesday.

But despite new lung cancer cases being on the rise in Rhode Island, the Ocean State remains first in the nation for survivors.

The Ocean State has a nationwide best 30.8 percent five-year survival rate. Nationally, the rate is 25 percent.

"Lung cancer screening is key to early diagnosis, and early diagnosis saves lives," said Daniel Fitzgerald, the director of advocacy at the American Lung Association in Rhode Island. "Here in Rhode Island, we have the highest 5-year survival rate in the nation and one of the highest rates of new lung cancer cases, which makes these lifesaving screenings are more important than ever. We all can help reduce the burden of lung cancer in Rhode Island. If you are eligible for lung cancer screening, we encourage you to speak with your doctor about it. If a loved one is eligible, please encourage them to get screened."

Rhode Island also ranks second in the U.S., behind just Massachusetts, for lung cancer screening, according to the report.

The report also found that Rhode Island ranked:

• 43rd in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 68.5 per 100,000. The national rate is 56.7 per 100,000
• Third in the nation for early diagnosis at 30.4 percent. Nationally, only 25.8 percent of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher
• Second in the nation for lung cancer screening at 13.4 percent. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20 percent. Nationally, only 5.8 percent of those at high risk were screened
• Third in the nation for surgery at 28.3 percent. Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.8 percent of cases underwent surgery
• Second in the nation for lack of treatment at 14%. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment.

Read the full lung cancer report here.