Data from the American Lung Association's recently released "State of Lung Cancer" annual report indicate that Rhode Island remains a national leader in screening, early diagnosis, and treatment for lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths.
-- In Rhode Island, 31.0% of those at high risk were screened, which was significantly higher than the national rate of 18.2%. Rhode Island has the highest screening rate in the country. -- The percentage of people alive five years after being diagnosed with lung cancer (the survival rate) in Rhode Island is 37.6%, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 29.7%, and best in the nation. -- In Rhode Island, 35.5% of cases are caught at an early stage, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 28.1%. It ranks 1st among the 50 states with data on diagnosis at an early stage, placing it in the top tier.) -- Over the last five years, the survival rate in Rhode Island improved by 32%.
"In the last decade, we have seen incredible progress, including increases in lung cancer survival and early detection rates," said Daniel Fitzgerald, MPH, Director of Advocacy, American Lung Association. "Rhode Island is a true leader in lung cancer care, but we have so much more work to do to ensure all residents have access to the best lung cancer outcomes."
"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 Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. "Lung cancer is preventable. Not smoking is the single most important thing people can do to prevent lung cancer. Help is available for anyone ready to quit."
Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke. People who quit smoking have a lower risk of lung cancer than if they had continued to smoke, but their risk is higher than the risk for people who never smoked. Quitting smoking at any age can lower the risk of lung cancer.
Another important risk factor for lung cancer is indoor radon. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms in rocks, soil, and water. It cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. When radon gets into homes or buildings through cracks or holes, it can get trapped and build up in the air inside. Exposure to radon causes lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers alike. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Testing is the only way to know if there are high levels of radon in your home.
"Rhode Island's top national ranking in lung cancer screening is the result of coordinated efforts across our entire state — from primary care providers and specialists to imaging centers and community partners," said Dr. Terrance Healey of Rhode Island Medical Imaging. "Lung cancer screening is quick, painless, and widely available. When lung cancer is detected early, people have more treatment options and a much better chance at long-term survival. At Rhode Island Medical Imaging, we are proud to work closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and healthcare providers statewide to make lung cancer screening easier to access so more Rhode Islanders can benefit from early detection and improved outcomes."
"The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island is proud of the Ocean State ranking first in the nation for both lung cancer survival and early diagnosis, a testament to the dedication of our health care professionals and the success of coordinated efforts across the state," said Megan Daniel, Executive Director, Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island. "We remain committed to expanding access and increasing uptake of lung cancer screening through education and community engagement alongside lung cancer champions to ensure every eligible Rhode Islander benefits from this life-saving preventive measure."
Prevention
-- Quit smoking. Help is available day and night with accredited, live coaches, is offered in over 100 languages, and is free to all Rhode Islanders regardless of income or insurance. Adults can contact QuitNowRI (the Rhode Island Nicotine Helpline): text START to 300500, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or visit QuitNowRI.com. Español: llame 1-800-8-DEJALO o envíe un mensaje de texto la palabra "INSCRIBIR" al 300500. -- Avoid secondhand smoke. Smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is called secondhand smoke. Make your home and car smoke-free. -- Test your home for radon. Conducting a test is easy, inexpensive, and the only way to know if a building or home contains high levels of radon. A homeowner, tenant, or licensed radon testing business can perform radon testing in residential properties. Test kits are available through the American Lung Association, major building supply stores, other retail outlets and analytical labs. If the radon level in your home exceeds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s action level (4.0 pCi/L) additional testing or mitigation should be done. -- Get screened for lung cancer if you are at higher risk. People who should be screened include people who smoke regularly now or have quit within the past 15 years, and who are between 50 and 80 years old. Talk to your healthcare professional about screening.