New Report Reveals Pennsylvania Shows Improvements for New Cases, Survival and Early Diagnosis; Ranks Worse than U.S. Averages for Adult Smoking and Radon Exposure

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., but the American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals positive news. Nationally, the lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% in the last five years and 27% in Pennsylvania. The report also presents opportunities for Pennsylvania to further improve lung cancer survival by increasing access to screening and biomarker testing.

The organization’s seventh annual “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights how the toll of lung cancer varies by state and examines key indicators throughout the U.S., including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, screening rates and insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

The report found that while Pennsylvania ranked average in the nation for new cases of lung cancer, survival rates and early diagnosis, it showed improvement in the past five years for all three indicators (16% improvement for new cases; 27% improvement for survival and 11% improvement for early-stage diagnosis). The state also ranked average for surgery as a first course of treatment but worsened by 9% over the past five years. Unfortunately, the report also found that Asian or Pacific Islander individuals in Pennsylvania are least likely to be diagnosed early (20% less likely; and Black Americans are 14% more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer and 8% less likely to receive surgery as the first course of treatment than white Americans.

New this year, “State of Lung Cancer” examines health insurance coverage requirements of comprehensive biomarker testing across the U.S. Lung cancer biomarker testing sometimes referred to as tumor, molecular, genomic or genetic testing, looks for changes in the tumor's DNA. The results of the test may show biomarkers that can help determine what treatment options would be best for an individual patient. Insurance coverage of biomarker testing is important for removing a cost barrier to people with lung cancer, but coverage for biomarker testing is only required in some states. The report found that Pennsylvania does require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in Pennsylvania. 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,” said Elizabeth Hensil, Advocacy Director, PA, WV for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Pennsylvania must focus on lung health inequities, adult smoking cessation and radon testing and mitigation. Together, we can make a difference.”

The report found that Pennsylvania ranked:

• 32 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 58.2 per 100,000 people, marking a 16% improvement over past five years. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 12 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 30.2%. This marks a 27% improvement over the past five years. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 16 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 28.3%, marking an 11% improvement over past five years. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 18 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 17.2%. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20%. Nationally, only 16% of those at high risk were screened.
• 12 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 22.2%. This marks a 9% decrease over the past five years for surgery as a first course of treatment. Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.7% of cases underwent surgery.
• 7 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 16.4%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.
• 32 of 51 in the nation for adults who currently smoke at 14.9%. Nationally, 12.9% of adults are current smokers.
• 39 out of 51 in the nation for its radon test results compared to the EPA recommended action level at 39.1%, placing the state in the below average tier compared to other states, with a relatively high percentage of results (39.1%) equal to or worse than the EPA guideline. 

The 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights opportunities for states and the federal government to reduce the burden of lung cancer and encourages everyone to help end lung cancer. This year, the American Lung Association calls on other states to join Pennsylvania in implementing policies to require insuranxce coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. The Lung Association also calls on Congress to pass the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act (H.R. 4286).

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. In Philadelphia, the Fight For Air Climb Philadelphia is coming up on March 29, 2025 at FightForAirClimb.org/philadelphia. The LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia is coming up on May 10, 2025 at LUNGFORCE.org/philadelphia. In Pittsburgh, the Fight For Air Climb Pittsburgh is coming up on March 22, 2025, at FightForAirClimb.org/pittsburgh or the LUNG FORCE Walk Pittsburgh at LUNGFORCE.org/pittsburgh.