The survival rate for lung cancer in the US has improved in recent years, although it is still a leading cause of cancer deaths.
According to the American Cancer Society, the overall 5-year survival rate for lung cancer has increased from 13% in the 1970s to 22% in the early 2010s. This improvement is due in part to advances in treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, as well as improvements in early detection through screening.
In particular, the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapy has shown promise in improving survival rates for certain types of lung cancer. These treatments are designed to target specific genetic mutations or proteins in cancer cells, which can help to shrink tumors and improve outcomes.
However, it is important to note that survival rates for lung cancer vary widely depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. For example, the 5-year survival rate for localized lung cancer (cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs) is 61%, while the rate drops to 6% for cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body.
While the improvement in lung cancer survival rates is encouraging, lung cancer remains a significant public health concern, with an estimated 235,760 new cases and 131,880 deaths from the disease in the US in 2021. Quitting smoking and reducing exposure to environmental risk factors such as air pollution can help to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, while early detection and treatment remain critical to improving outcomes for people who are diagnosed with the disease.