North Dakota ranks 1st nationwide for lung cancer treatment rates

(Fargo, ND) -- A new report shows the state of North Dakota leads the nation when it comes to lung cancer treatment rates.  

"Treatment is really important for sure, but we really also want to emphasize in the report about early detection and screening," said Pat McKone, Senior Director for Public Policy for the American Lung Association. 

She says 86 percent of North Dakotans diagnosed with lung cancer receive treatment. That compares to the national treatment rate at 79 percent. North Dakota also ranks well relative to other states when it comes lung cancer screening. The Peace Garden state ranks 5th among states for screening, with 11.5 percent of people eligible for screening taking part in the procedure. The national screening rate is 5.7 percent. McKone says screening rates in all states need to be much higher.