CHARLESTON, W.Va.—– Although the rate for new lung cancer cases has improved 12% over the past five years in West Virginia, it still remains at 76.5% which is significantly higher than the national average of 53.6% according to the American Lung Assocation’s state lung report released Tuesday.
They also reported that tobacco use is still the number one causing factor of lung cancer.
Director of Advocacy in WV and PA for the American Lung Association Elizabeth Hensil says that the reason for high numbers when it comes to new lung cancer cases is because people in West Virginia are not educated enough when it comes to lung cancer.
She also said that a yearly screening should be done, which is another category that West Virginia ranks low on, for people who are high risk. Which means people between the ages of 50 and 80 and who smoke one cigarette packs a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
“What that entails is having a low dose CT scan, they scan your lungs for any suspicious cells that might be forming that could be lung cancer.” Hensil said.
She pointed out that there are two things that legislators can do to help with the increasing rate of new lung cancer cases in West Virginia.
“Increased funding for tobacco cessation and control,” Hensil said. “As well as passing legislation that would require insurance companies to cover biomarker testing.”
Biomarker testing is testing that is done a person who has lung cancer. It allows doctors to see the best course of action to treat the tumor rather than waiting on chemotherapy or radiation to work.
Currently, 31 states have no insurance coverage for the test, 15 states have insurance coverage for the test, and 5 states only some insurance plans cover the tests.
And as for residence, Hensil said it’s important to become educated about the yearly screening for those who are high risk.
To see the full report, you can go to the website here.