Louisiana ranks among the worst in the nation for lung cancer survival, with a survival rate of 23-percent, significantly below the national average of 28-percent. Louisiana also has high rates of new lung cancer and late-stage diagnoses. American Lung Association Director of Advocacy Eric Weinzettle says contributing factors include low rates of lung cancer screening and surgical treatment as well as a high smoking prevalence.
“We still have an adult smoking population that is larger than normal, larger than the nation and we know that is the number one cause of lung cancer here in Louisiana.”
The national lung cancer survival rate has improved by 26-percent over the past five years due to advancements in early detection and treatment. Weinzettle says targeted actions in Louisiana include increasing access to smoking cessation programs, biomarker testing, and lung cancer screening.
“If we detect it as quickly as possible and act on it as quickly as possible. So, one thing that people may not know is that if lung cancer is caught early enough it can be taken care of with surgery.”
Additionally, Weinzettle underscores the importance of expanding insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing to personalize treatment options. Advocacy efforts include urging Louisiana and federal policymakers to improve access to these life-saving measures, emphasizing opportunities to address the state’s lung cancer crisis and improve survival rates.
“We’re urging Congress to pass a bill that would increase funding, increase outreach about screening.”
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