The American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges in the fight against the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. While the overall five-year survival rate for lung cancer has improved by 26% in the last five years, significant disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes continue to affect communities of color.
The report highlights that people of color diagnosed with lung cancer face worse outcomes compared to white individuals. They are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to survive five years after diagnosis, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and more likely to receive no treatment at all.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, emphasized the need for action: “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.”
The report also underscores the importance of early detection and access to advanced treatments. Only 27.4% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the five-year survival rate is much higher. Additionally, the report reveals significant state-by-state variations in lung cancer screening rates, ranging from 28.6% in Rhode Island to just 8.6% in Wyoming.
A new focus of this year’s report is the coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, which can help determine the most effective treatment options for individual patients. Currently, only 15 states require insurance coverage for this critical testing, highlighting a potential barrier to personalized care for many lung cancer patients.
As the lung cancer landscape evolves, addressing these disparities and improving access to screening and advanced treatments remain crucial challenges in the ongoing fight against this deadly disease.
See “Lung Cancer Survival Rate Improves, But Gaps in Biomarker Testing and Lack of Screening Hinder Progress” (November 19, 2024)
