Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but there is a glimmer of hope according to the American Lung Association's 2024 "State of Lung Cancer" report. The report shows a 26% improvement in lung cancer survival rates over the past five years. However, it also identifies gaps in biomarker testing and screening that could hinder further progress.
The report is the seventh annual installment from the organization and details how lung cancer affects various states. It examines key indicators across the U.S., including new cases, survival rates, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, screening rates, and insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing.
"More people with lung cancer are living longer, and that is something to celebrate. However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report provides a path for states and the federal government to take to improve the lives of people living with this devastating disease."
The report introduces an examination of insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing across different states. Biomarker testing looks for changes in a tumor's DNA to determine optimal treatment options for patients. Currently, only 15 states require insurance coverage for such testing comprehensively; five states require some plans to cover it, while 30 states and Washington D.C. do not mandate any coverage.
Lung cancer screening rates were also tracked nationally and by state in 2023. Only 16% of those eligible were screened nationwide. Rhode Island had the highest screening rate at 28.6%, whereas Wyoming had the lowest at 8.6%. A new data source was used this year for these statistics, so comparisons with previous reports are not possible.
The report projects that nearly 235,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S. this year alone. It highlights national trends related to survival rates, early diagnosis, surgery options, lack of treatment availability, and health disparities.
To address these issues, the American Lung Association calls on all states to implement policies requiring insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing and urges Congress to pass legislation aimed at increasing access to lung cancer screenings.
For more information about "State of Lung Cancer," visit Lung.org/SOLC.
