New Report Highlights Toll of Lung Cancer in Florida

The American Lung Association examines the current burden of lung cancer and opportunities to save lives in its recently released 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report.  The comprehensive document examines key indicators to highlight how the toll of lung cancer varies by state. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Florida and across the U.S. The report finds that early diagnosis in Florida is low at only 25.3 percent. This is significant because early stage diagnosis significantly enhances five-year survival.

The Lung Association’s seventh annual “State of Lung Cancer” report ranks Florida:

  • 23 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 54.7 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
  • 17 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 29.1%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
  • 40 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 25.3%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
  • 29 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 15.8%. 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%. Nationally, only 16% of those at high risk were screened.
  • 21 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 20.5%. Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.7% of cases underwent surgery.
  • 43 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 26.4%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.
  • 13 out of 51 in the nation for smoking at 11.3%. Nationally, 11.6% of adults currently smoke.

The report also reveals health disparities, with Black individuals in Florida most likely to receive no treatment.

Overall, the “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals positive news. Nationally, the lung cancer survival rate has improved 26 percent during the last five years due to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment.

The report also presents opportunities for Florida to further improve survival by increasing access to lung cancer screening, which can detect the disease at an earlier stage when its more curable, and biomarker testing, which can help influence treatment options because not all lung cancers are the same.

The full report can be accessed here.