New Report Reveals Iowa Among Worst in Nation for New Lung Cancer Cases

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 Iowa and across the U.S. This year’s report shows Iowa is among the worst in the nation for new lung cancer cases with rate significantly higher than the national rate.

Here's how Iowa ranked in key categories:

• 39 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 61.2 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 32 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 26.3%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 31 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 26.9%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 23 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 16.8%. 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.
• 34 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 17.7%. 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.
• 17 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 18.6%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.

The report also found that Black individuals in Iowa are most likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

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

The report shows Iowa must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, early detection initiatives and biomarker testing to save lives. It also presents opportunities for Iowa to further improve lung cancer 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 Iowa. 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 Kristina Hamilton, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Iowa must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, early detection initiatives and awareness about biomarker testing to save lives.”

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 Iowa does require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing due to legislation (HF 2668) signed into law by Governor Reynolds earlier this year.

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 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).

Given cigarette smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, it is critical that the state finally increases the cost of cigarettes. The Lung Association and health partners statewide strongly urge Iowa lawmakers to finally increase the tax on cigarettes, which has not been done since 2007.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb Des Moines is coming up on Sunday March 30. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/DesMoines.

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