The American Lung Association has published its 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report, highlighting improvements in lung cancer detection and survival rates across the United States. According to the organization, about 227,000 people in the country are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
This annual report, now in its eighth edition, analyzes state-by-state data on several indicators including new cases, survival rates, early diagnosis, surgical treatments, lack of treatment, screening rates, and access to comprehensive biomarker testing. The findings show that physicians are increasingly able to detect lung cancer at earlier stages when it is more treatable. Additionally, patients are living longer after a diagnosis.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association said: “I have worked at the American Lung Association for more than 40 years, and it is incredible to see how advancements in research and early detection have completely changed what it means to be diagnosed with lung cancer. In just the past eight years since we launched this report, the five-year survival rate has gone from 18% to nearly 30%. This is important progress and offers hope against a disease that is absolutely devastating to too many families across the U.S.”
Wimmer also emphasized concerns over recent reductions in funding for key federal agencies. “CDC is critical in helping to prevent lung cancer by funding programs to prevent tobacco use and help people quit, and the research done at NIH has led to 73 new treatments for lung cancer in the last decade alone. The cuts to programs and research are devastating. Lives hang in the balance—we must keep up the momentum.”
The report credits progress partly to efforts by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as access provided through Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage. However, recent cuts affecting these agencies may threaten ongoing improvements.
Comprehensive biomarker testing coverage has expanded since last year’s report; New Jersey and Connecticut passed laws requiring insurance coverage for such tests. Seventeen states now mandate coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing while five require some level of coverage; twenty-eight states plus Washington D.C., do not require any insurance coverage for this type of testing.
The report also addresses disparities among different communities: Black individuals have a five-year survival rate of 24.9%, Indigenous people 22.8%, compared with white individuals at 28.6%. People of color are less likely than white patients to receive an early diagnosis or surgical treatment—and more likely not to receive any treatment at all.
The American Lung Association urges all states to adopt policies requiring insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing so residents can access optimal care options.
More information about these findings can be found at Lung.org/solc.
