Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear held a formal proclamation signing ceremony to recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month on Nov. 18. An alarming rate of the disease in his state inspired him to help draw more attention to the issue.
New data from the American Lung Association has shown that nearly 85 out of 100,000 Kentuckians will be diagnosed with the respiratory condition. This means that the state has the highest rate of lung cancer in the entire country. The national average is only about 53 to 56 people people per 100,000.
“Today I signed a proclamation naming November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the commonwealth,” Beshear said on social media. “By sharing the importance of regular cancer screenings to combat this disease we can help save more lives.”
According to a Kentucky oncologist, Adam Lye, approximately 20 per cent of Kentucky residents smoke while the number in other states is much lower, at around 13 per cent.
Meanwhile, the five-year survival rate is about five per cent lower than the national average of 21.6 per cent. However, Kentucky is one of the top states for lung cancer screening rates, ranking second. Its stature in this regard has risen in recent years.
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Kentucky pioneers lung cancer screening tech
Although many state residents are plagued by a dirty smoking habit and are at a higher risk of contracting the disease than other states, Kentucky has been establishing itself as a screening leader.
One local company, Breath Diagnostics Inc. has developed an efficient lung cancer breath test. This non-invasive radiation-free technology, currently in the advanced research and development phase, has the potential to save healthcare providers vast amounts of money and time.
It has demonstrated a high level of efficacy in over 800 patients within three clinical sites. Ten peer-reviewed papers have been published on the company’s device.
“Our technology is cheap, it’s easy to use, it’s easily accessible, it’s non-invasive, and it is very safe,” chief executive Ivan Lo explained.
Breath Diagnostics just raised US$1 million to help propel its development and commercialization.
“Your best defense against lung cancer is to get screened,” the University of Kentucky said in a statement Monday. “Lung cancer screening often detects cancer before there are any symptoms, when treatment is most effective.”
The recent success of Kentucky’s QUILS (quality implementation of lung cancer screening) program has inspired other states to follow its example.
Lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer-related deaths in Kentucky. But regular screenings and early diagnosis can save lives. Last night we lit the mansion blue in honor of lung cancer awareness. Find screening assistance at https://t.co/HMBbzQlGFS pic.twitter.com/8f0ZPnimt1
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) May 9, 2024
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