Lung Cancer Screening in MICHIGAN
Lung cancer remains one of the most pervasive and deadly forms of cancer worldwide , with its devastating impact felt by countless families . With over 100,000 deaths nationwide , lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States , more than colon , breast , and prostate cancer combined . Amidst the grim statistics , a ray of hope for reducing these deaths exists . The American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative ( ALCSI ), is an international non-profit organization committed to combating lung cancer through education , policy , and advocacy .
While the work being done by the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative spans from podcasts to events to proclamations and Public Service Announcements , all of this work ultimately contributes to ALCSI ’ s primary mission of promoting lung cancer screening for all high-risk individuals . Individuals are considered to be at a high-risk for developing lung cancer if they have a smoking history ( ≥20 pack-years ), had previous lung radiation therapy , were exposed to radon , live in a location with air pollution , and / or have a family history of lung cancer .
In Michigan alone , the rate of new lung cancer cases each year is 63 , five cases higher than the national average of 58 new cases per year . Furthermore , 23 % of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage in Michigan , which shows major improvements from the national average .
While the work being done by the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative spans all over the world , there are local efforts to prevent lung cancer in Michigan . Since 2021 , ALCSI has successfully received eight proclamations throughout the state of Michigan declaring November 2021 and 2022 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month . Additionally , the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor , MI has an ALCSI chapter ; members of this chapter not only work on educating a younger demographic about lung cancer but also host events to raise awareness for lung cancer prevention .
ALCSI has hosted events such as podcasts with thoracic oncologists and lung cancer survivors , White Ribbon events to recognize lung cancer patients and survivors , canvassing and tabling events to raise awareness for lung cancer and its prevention , and presentations to educate others about lung cancer . This year , the the University of Michigan ’ s ALCSI chapter hopes to hold more campus pop-up events to educate younger demographics about lung cancer and its prevention .
Whether in Michigan or countries / states around the world , the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative has put forth immense efforts to reduce mortality from lung cancer through advocacy for lung cancer screening and education . Additionally , this collaborative effort has not only been successful but has also fostered a supportive community for lung cancer patients and survivors , loved ones , policy-makers , and citizens where they are able to learn about lung cancer prevention and join ALCSI is raising awareness for this cause . Despite the high prevalence of lung cancer , incidence has improved in Michigan . The rate of new lung cancer cases has declined by 9 % in the past five years , and the early diagnosis rate has improved by 41 % in the past five years in Michigan alone .
Research has shown that early detection against lung cancer is vital in the fight against lung cancer , so the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative urges high risk individuals to get screened today . If you are