The American Lung Association has released its 2024 "State of Lung Cancer" report, which evaluates how lung cancer affects different states. The report highlights that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Florida and across the United States. A key finding is that only 25.3 percent of lung cancer cases in Florida are diagnosed at an early stage, a critical factor since early diagnosis significantly improves the five-year survival rate.
The report also points out disparities in treatment, noting that Black individuals in Florida are most likely to receive no treatment for lung cancer.
On a national level, there is positive news as the lung cancer survival rate has improved by 26 percent over the past five years. This improvement is attributed to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment methods.
The report suggests opportunities for improving survival rates in Florida through enhanced access to lung cancer screening and biomarker testing. These measures can detect the disease earlier when it is more treatable and tailor treatment options based on individual tumor characteristics.
Ashley Lyerly, senior director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Florida, stated: “Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in Florida. To address the burden of lung cancer and to help improve the lives of people it impacts, we must continue to evaluate the greatest needs. This report helps us prioritize which areas to focus on to truly make an impact.”
A new aspect covered this year includes health insurance coverage requirements for comprehensive biomarker testing across various states. Biomarker testing can identify changes in a tumor's DNA that may influence treatment decisions but coverage varies by state. While some health plans in Florida require such coverage, it is not universally mandated.
The report encourages state governments and federal entities to reduce lung cancer's impact by implementing policies like requiring insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing. Additionally, it urges Congress to pass legislation aimed at increasing access to lung cancer screening.
Chris Gonzalez from the Lung Association’s North Florida Board remarked: “Thankfully, the lung cancer survival rate has improved due to increased awareness, access to healthcare and cutting-edge research into new treatments. We need to keep up the momentum to save more lives. Together, we can make a difference.”
To support these efforts, community members are invited to participate in events such as Jacksonville's Fight For Air Climb at Bank of America Tower on March 22, 2025.
