New Report Urges District of Columbia to Implement Policies to Increase Biomarker Testing to Help People Living with Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in the District of Columbia 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 the district 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 the district ranked among the better for new lung cancer cases (9 of 49) and among the top five for lung cancer screening (4 of 51). The report also found that Black individuals in the district are most likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer (123% more likely than white individuals), 28% less likely to receive surgery as first course of treatment and 31% more likely to be untreated than white individuals. 

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 the district does not require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in the district. 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 Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy, DC, DE, MD, and VA for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that the district must focus on implementing policies to increase biomarker testing as well as those that will help decrease lung health inequities. Together, we can make a difference.”

The report found that the District of Columbia ranked:

• 9 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 45.1 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• No data is available for 5-year survival rate. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 28 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 27.3%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 4 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 23.3% (among the best). 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.
• 25 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 19.5%. 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.
• 40 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 23.9%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.
• 9 out of 51 in the nation for adults who currently smoke at 10.6%. Nationally, 12.9% of adults are current smokers.

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 Washington, D.C., 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).