State’s Efforts Fall Short, Say Experts, as More Lives Could Be Saved with Earlier Detection
MARYLAND — Health experts are calling for greater emphasis on lung cancer screenings in Maryland, citing recent data that reveals the state is lagging behind others in early detection. With the state’s screening rates ranked 23rd in the nation, health advocates believe more needs to be done to save lives by catching lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases in the U.S., and the need for proactive screening and prevention has never been clearer. Experts like Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos of the American Lung Association stress the importance of annual screenings, particularly for those most at risk: smokers or former smokers aged 50 to 80. These screenings, they argue, can dramatically reduce the death rate by detecting tumors early.
Maryland’s Lung Cancer Stats: The Good, the Bad, and the Room for Improvement
While Maryland does have some positive indicators in the fight against lung cancer, it’s clear that there’s substantial room for improvement. The state ranks 23rd for screening rates and 26th for early diagnoses, far behind many other states. According to the 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report, these figures are a critical concern.
However, the state has some areas where it performs relatively well. Maryland ranks 16th in the nation for the rate of new lung cancer cases, at 50.2 per 100,000 residents, which is better than the national rate of 53.6. When it comes to survival rates, Maryland also fares well, sitting 13th for lung cancer survival with a rate of 30.1%, above the national average of 28.4%.
Despite these positive outcomes, screening and early diagnosis remain weak spots for Maryland. Experts argue that increasing the number of screenings could lead to earlier treatment and ultimately save more lives.
- Maryland’s lung cancer stats:
- Screening Rank: 23rd
- Early Diagnosis Rank: 26th
- Survival Rate Rank: 13th
- Smoking Rate: 9.6% of adults (second lowest in the U.S.)
These figures reflect a complicated landscape, where overall progress in public health is overshadowed by lagging efforts in early intervention and screening.
Screening Can Save Lives, Experts Say
Lung cancer, unlike some other forms of cancer, often doesn’t present symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. This makes early detection even more critical. The American Lung Association’s Aleks Casper emphasized the importance of screening in reducing the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% when done early enough. Yet, too few people are being screened for the disease.
“Screening with annual low-dose CT scans can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% by detecting tumors at early stages when the cancer is more likely to be curable,” the report explains.
Given the alarming statistics, it’s clear that many people who could benefit from these screenings are not taking advantage of the opportunity. This is where advocates like Pamela Trombero come in. Trombero, a lung cancer survivor, has been cancer-free for 18 years and now runs a virtual cessation program to help people quit smoking. Her message is clear: regular screening is vital, and it’s important not to shy away from it.
“People need to do that,” Trombero said. “People should not be afraid of it, because it’s better to prevent anything from happening.”
A Targeted Approach: Addressing Disparities Across Maryland
While Maryland’s overall smoking rate is relatively low compared to the national average, there are significant disparities between urban and rural areas. In particular, smoking rates in Baltimore and other socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods remain stubbornly high.
“In your rural areas and in your urban areas, you still see high rates of smoking occurring,” Dr. Galiatsatos explained. “The state as a whole hasn’t seen a uniform drop — it’s really disproportionate, and it falls along the lines of rural status and socio-disadvantaged neighborhoods.”
These disparities highlight the need for targeted efforts to reduce smoking, especially in high-risk populations, and increase access to screening in areas that have traditionally been underserved.
Advancements in Biomarker Testing: A Step in the Right Direction
Maryland has made progress in other areas, notably with the passage of a law in 2023 that requires insurance companies to cover biomarker testing for cancer patients. Biomarker tests, which analyze blood, tissue, or other samples during treatment, help determine whether the selected treatment is working and how best to proceed.
This new law, which takes effect in 2025 for Medicaid recipients, could improve survival rates for lung cancer patients by ensuring they receive the most effective treatments for their individual cases. The law puts Maryland in line with just 15 other states that currently mandate biomarker testing coverage.
The Path Forward: A Comprehensive Approach
Advocates stress that reducing the toll of lung cancer in Maryland will require more than just an increase in screenings or treatment. It’s a multi-faceted approach that must include preventive measures like anti-smoking initiatives, ensuring equitable access to screenings, and providing better resources for individuals looking to quit.
“We can prevent people from starting to smoke anything … and then ensuring that people have the resources to make them successful when they want to make that quit attempt,” Casper emphasized. “We also need to ensure that providers are talking to their patients about eligibility and how to receive lung cancer screening.”
The path to improving lung cancer outcomes in Maryland is clear: expand access to screening, reduce smoking rates, and ensure that patients have access to the best possible treatments available. With concerted effort and public policy support, Maryland could lead the charge in the fight against lung cancer.
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