​State-level lung cancer screening data is now available.

The American Cancer Society released an update June 17 to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures, 2023-2024. With this update, state-level lung cancer screening data is available for the first time. 

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures was released last spring; the report offers a look at progress toward modifiable cancer risk factors and behaviors. The report found both favorable and unfavorable changes in major cancer risk factors, preventive behaviors and services, and screenings in the United States. This latest update focuses on tables and figures within the report.

A few key highlights: 

• The 2024 CPED F&F Tables & Figures provide the latest data on modifiable cancer risk factors and screening at national and state levels. 
• State-level data on lung cancer screening includes estimates of eligibility and screening percentages across the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico for 2022.
• The report also includes updated state-level 2022 data on breast, cervical, colorectal (CRC), and prostate cancer screening from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System.
• Updated state-level 2022 data on smoking prevalence, obesity prevalence, diet and physical inactivity, and HPV vaccination coverage is also included.

"We are excited about the new lung cancer screening data because it will: provide data for all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, allowing state-level program and policy staff to have the latest screening information to advocate and plan for lung cancer screening and prevention,” said Dr. Priti Bandi, scientific director, risk factors and screening research.

Dr. Bandi published a recent study showing most eligible US adults are not getting screened for lung cancer, making this sort of information even more relevant to team members. 

Why this report is important

We know 42% of the 611,720 cancer deaths projected to occur in the US in 2024 are expected to be attributable to modifiable cancer risk factors, such as:

• Cigarette smoking
• Excess body weight
• Alcohol intake
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Obesity

These risk factors are potentially all avoidable through lifestyle changes. Cancer screening tests can further prevent thousands of additional cancer cases and deaths. This latest Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures report offers a look at progress toward those modifiable cancer risk factors and behaviors.