CDC: Dramatic Decline in Lung Cancer Cases

According to the recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the rate of new lung cancer cases dropped among U.S. men and women from 2005–2009. Specifically, lung cancer incidence decreased 2.6% per year among men and 1.1% per year among women.

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Rates decreased more rapidly among men than among women in all age groups. The fastest drop was among adults aged 35-44 years, decreasing 6.5% per year among men and 5.8% per year among women.

A previous CDC study showed that states vary widely in their success at reducing smoking — a leading cause of lung cancer. 

For this new report, the CDC assessed lung cancer incidence rates and trends among men and women by age group for the period 2005–2009.

Results showed that among men, lung cancer incidence decreased in all U.S. Census regions and 23 states. Among women, lung cancer incidence decreased in the South, West, and seven states.

Ongoing attention to local, state, and national population-based tobacco prevention and control strategies are needed to further reduce smoking prevalence among men and women, and to subsequently reduce lung cancer in the U.S. Effective strategies include:

• Increased tobacco prices
• Comprehensive smoke-free laws
• Restriction of tobacco advertising and promotion
• Hard-hitting mass media and community engagement campaigns

Through the Affordable Care Act, important preventive services such as tobacco use screenings and tobacco cessation services may be covered with no additional costs. 

For more information call (800) 232-4636 or visit the MMWR page.