New Report Reveals Indiana Above National Average for Lung Cancer Screenings

Today, the American Lung Association released its 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report, which examines key indicators to highlight how the toll of lung cancer varies by state. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Indiana and across the U.S. Cancer metrics are not available for several categories in the report for this period due to the impact of COVID-19 on cancer surveillance. However, the report finds Indiana’s rate of lung cancer screenings is just above the national average at 16.9%. This is important because when lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is much higher. The state also has the ninth highest rate of smoking in the country.

Here's how the report ranked Indiana in key categories:

• 20 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 16.9%. 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.
• 43 out of 51 in the nation for smoking at 16.2%.  Nationally, 11.6% of adults currently smoke.
• 40 out of 51 in the naton for Radon with 40.2% of radon tests results at or above the action leel recommended by the EPA

Overall, the “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals positive news. Nationally, the lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% in the last five years due to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment.

The report shows Indiana must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, early detection initiatives and biomarker testing to save lives. It also presents opportunities for Indiana to further improve survival by increasing access to lung cancer screenings, which can detect the disease at an earlier stage when its more curable, and biomarker testing, which can help influence treatment options because not all lung cancers are the same. 

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in Indiana. 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,” said Tiffany Nichols, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “This report helps us prioritize which areas to focus on to truly make an impact, and together, we can make a difference.”

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 Indiana does require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

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 our state in implementing 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).

In 2025, the American Lung Association in Indiana will partner with the Indiana Chapter of the Indoor Environments Association in an effort to pass legislation that will increase radon awareness and testing in Indiana. Radon induced lung cancer kills nearly 1,000 Hoosiers every year at an estimated cost of $400,000,000 in medical expenses and lost productivity. High levels of radon gas have been found in buildings in all 92 Indiana counties, yet Indiana remains dangerously under-tested. This legislation would inform buyers of the dangers of radon and require sellers to disclose to buyers, in a real estate transaction, any information they have regarding radon testing, test results or mitigation efforts in the home they are selling. Ten other states with similar legislation have seen dramatic increases in awareness and testing. Radon induced lung cancer is preventable.

In addition, the American Lung Association, as part of Tobacco Free Indiana, will be advocating for $2.00 increase to the cigarette tax under the campaign name Raise it For Health. Raising the cigarette tax is one of the most effective means to help adults and youth quit and prevent others from starting.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb Indianapolis returns to Salesforce Tower on Saturday March 8. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/Indianapolis.

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