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Massachusetts |
Lung Cancer Alliance-Massachusetts Commitment to Improving Failing Grades
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Number of Deaths |
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F |
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Unacceptable. Lung cancer remains the #1 cause of cancer death. 5,120 more
people in Massachusetts will be diagnosed and 3,610 will die—more than the
combined total deaths from breast cancer (870), ovarian cancer (350), prostate
cancer (540), colon cancer (1070), and leukemia (490). |
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Five-Year-Survival-Rate |
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F |
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No Improvement. The 5-year survival rate remains 15% for all diagnosed with
lung cancer, still far behind the 5-year survival rates for those diagnosed with breast
cancer (89%), prostate cancer (99%), and colon cancer (65%). |
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Number of
Late-Stage
Diagnosis |
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F |
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No Progress. Only 16% of lung cancer is diagnosed at an early curable stage.
By contrast 61% of breast cancers, 91% of prostate cancers, 39% of colon cancers
are now diagnosed at early stage not surprising since screening for these cancers is strongly encouraged—and has significantly conrtributed to improved survival.
We must shift intervention to earlier stages. |
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Number of Newly
Addicted Youth |
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F |
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Discouraging. Over 6,300 new Massachusetts “daily” smokers under the age of
18 are addicted each year. Over 14.9 million packs of cigarettes are bought or
smoked by Massachusetts youth each year. Over 17% of Massachusetts high
school students smoke cigarettes. Big Tobacco continues its multi-billion dollar
campaign targeted at young adults. |
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State Supported
Research |
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D+ |
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Some Progress. Outreach to State Legislators to secure support for lung cancer
research continues. For the second straight year, Senator Susan Fargo (D-Third
Middlesex) introduced, S1270, a bill to fund lung cancer research. Though it had the
support of many state legislators, it failed to be signed into law. Federal legislative
support for the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is increasing. Senator Paul Kirk
and Representatives Barney Frank, John Tierney, Richard Neal, James McGovern
and John Olver have signed on as co-sponsors. |
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State Cancer Plan
Commitment |
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D+ |
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Progress is Being Made. The MA Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition’s plan
for 2006-2011 includes strong support for tobacco cessation programs and sets
a timeline for achieving cessation goals, but fails to support any funding for lung
cancer research or early detection. A comprehensive plan must include all three
components if lives are to be saved. For the first time ever, a lung cancer advocate
sits on the advisory committee that will help craft the new State Cancer Plan. |
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