Lung Cancer Alliance News

LCA highlights New England Journal of Medicine paper on Lung Cancer Screening.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Contact: Laurie Fenton

June 30, 2005                                                                                                     202.463.2080

STATEMENT BY THE LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE

On Lung Cancer Screening, The New England Journal of Medicine

Today in the New England Journal of Medicine, two researchers have acknowledged how our nation can change the standard of care for patients who suffer from lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) applauds James L. Mulshine, M.D. and Daniel C. Sullivan, M.D. for bringing attention to CT scan technology that can detect lung cancer at much earlier stages and thereby increase survival rates of those suffering from the disease.

“Many thanks to Drs. Mulshine and Sullivan and to the New England Journal of Medicine for putting this issue front and center before the medical community and the public at large”, said Laurie Fenton, president of the LCA.  “Simply put -- late stage diagnosis is lethal diagnosis – so the urgency is real.  We need to develop ways to detect lung cancer in an early, more curable stage.  The result will be a better quality of life for lung cancer patients as well as improved chances for extending survival.  If we combine smoking cessation with research for early detection and treatment we just might have our “one-two” punch to knockout lung cancer,” concluded Fenton.   

“For too long, the public has heard too little about the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer,” said Cheryl G. Healton, Dr. P.H., president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation and a LCA board member. “Part of the reason is the stigma associated with this disease – the idea that smokers “should have known better.” But another part of the reason is that few patients have been able to speak out: only about 15 percent of all lung cancer patients live more than five years after being diagnosed. This typically is because it is diagnosed too late. When lung cancer is diagnosed and treated at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate rises to over 60 percent.  Any research or technology that can provide early detection for lung cancer demands pursuing, particularly for those at highest risk for whom the benefits may well outweigh the risks.  Moreover, current research suggests that such screening has a positive impact on cessation,” she said.

Drs. Mulshine and Sullivan’s work shows that CT scans detect about 78 percent of cancers at their earliest stages.  Last week’s issue of the New England Journal of Medicine reported how chemotherapy, which previously had been thought almost useless for many lung cancer patients, actually is working. These factors combine to paint a brighter future for lung cancer patients. But this future can exist only if we show a commitment to additional research for lung cancer.

While quitting smoking does not eliminate the risk of lung cancer, it does significantly reduce the risk. We know that most smokers – 70 percent -- want to quit but fewer than 5 percent succeed in quitting each year because nicotine is so powerfully addictive. For these smokers and for those suffering from lung cancer caused by other sources, research such as that published today provides great hope.  CT scans, new applications of current treatments and ongoing research must continue, and diagnostic tools and treatments must be accessible to all Americans.

To access this New England Journal of Medicine article, visit www.lungcanceralliance.org.

The Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to advocating for people living with lung cancer or at risk for the disease. Lung cancer causes more deaths in the United States than any other cancer. More than 60 percent of new lung cancers are diagnosed in people who never smoked or who managed to quit smoking even decades ago. Our initiatives aim to make fighting lung cancer a priority for more people and change public perceptions about the disease. Our unique patient education and support programs help people directly affected by lung cancer. Visit www.lungcanceralliance.org.

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