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2024 lung cancer findings

Every year, the American Lung Association releases a ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report that examines the burden of lung cancer in the United States. The report provides annual trends on a national and state level, highlighting the opportunities to improve screening rates, early diagnosis, survival, and more. According to the American Lung Association, the report aims to “empower the public to learn more about lung cancer in their state.” 

We’ve gathered some data from the report to provide you with an overview of the key findings; see below.

The data says: The national average of five-year survival is now 28.4%.

  • What does this mean? More people with lung cancer are living longer. 28.4% of people diagnosed with lung cancer are alive five years after a diagnosis, which is a 26% increase over the last five years. Massachusetts has the best survival rate at 37.9%.

The data says: Only 16% of individuals considered at high risk for lung cancer received screening.

  • What does this mean? Despite the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) expanding its recommendation for screening to include more current and former smokers in 2021, screening remains low among those at high risk. 

The data says: Certain groups face worse outcomes.

  • What does this mean? People of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer tend to have lower survival rates and are less likely to receive an early diagnosis. They’re also less likely to receive surgical treatment or any treatment.  

The data says: Nationally, 20.9% of lung cancer cases didn’t receive any treatment. 

  • What does this mean? One in five cases of lung cancer is left untreated. Although reasons may vary, the cost of treatment, lack of provider or patient knowledge, fatalism after diagnosis, or the stigma that’s associated with lung cancer could be contributors.   

The data says: Biomarker testing plays a critical role in determining lung cancer treatment options, but insurance coverage for these tests varies by state.

  • What does this mean? As of August 2024, 15 states require insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing and five states require some coverage. The remaining 30 states and Washington, D.C. don’t have coverage requirements.

You can find the full report here. For more information, don’t hesitate to ask your care team about any specific state findings relevant to you and your care.

If you would like to connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.

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