State of Lung Cancer: New Report Reveals Colorado Among Best in Nation for Early Diagnosis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Colorado and across the U.S., but the American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals positive news. The lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% in the last five years. The report also presents opportunities for Colorado 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 Colorado ranked 4th in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases and 6th for early diagnosis of lung cancer. The report also found that Asian or Pacific Islander individuals in Colorado are least likely to be diagnosed early. 

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 Colorado requires coverage of biomarker testing, but only in some health plans. 

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease that afflicts far too many families in Colorado. To address the burden of lung cancer and to help improve the lives of people it touches, we must continue to evaluate the greatest needs. This report helps us prioritize our efforts and maximize our impact,” said Nick Torres, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Colorado must focus on improving lung cancer screening rates. Together, we can make a difference.” 

The report found that Colorado ranked: 

• 4 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 37.9 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000. 

• 10 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 31.4%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%. 

• 6 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 30.8%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher. 

• 48 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 9.9%. 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. 

• 8 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 23.4%. 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. 

• 20 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 19.3%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment. 

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 for the state to implement policies to require insurance 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).  

Media Resources: 

• B-Roll is available here: 

• Lung Cancer Screening: LungCancerB-roll_Final.mp4 | Powered by Box 

• Doctor and Patient: Broll: Doctor and patient consultation.mp4 | Powered by Box 

• American Lung Association logos are available here: Media | American Lung Association