Ganti AK, Klein AB, Cotarla I, et al. - Researchers assessed the latest released data from US cancer registries in order to determine the most recent epidemiologic estimates of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the US.

• Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) revealed recording of 1.28 million new NSCLC cases (53% male; 67% ≥ 65 years) in the US during 2010 to 2017.

• From 2010 to 2017, there was a decrease in NSCLC incidence overall, but incidence rose for patients with stage I disease.

• An increased prevalence of NSCLC has been recorded, with estimated 5-year survival of 26.4%; a high proportion of patients with stage IV disease aged 65 or older years were categorized as not treated.

• Overall finding of increased incidence of stage I NSCLC at diagnosis is likely suggestive of improved evaluation of incidental nodules.

• The increased overall prevalence and increased 5-year survival are possibly due to the availability of more effective treatments, though undertreatment may be recorded for patients aged 65 years or older with stage IV NSCLC.