New Report Reveals Arkansas Among Worst in Nation for Lung Cancer Survival Rate

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 here in Arkansas and across the U.S. The report finds that the survival rate in Arkansas is the third worst in the country, at 22.6 percent, compared to the national average of 28.4 percent. The state also has the second highest rate of smoking.

The Lung Association’s seventh annual “State of Lung Cancer” report ranks Arkansas:

• 45 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 22.6%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 33 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 14.3%. 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.
• 50 out of 51 in the nation for smoking at 18.7%. Nationally, 11.6% of adults currently smoke.

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 also presents opportunities for Arkansas to further improve lung cancer survival by increasing access to lung cancer screening, 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 Arkansas. 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 Laura Turner, director of advocacy, Arkansas for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Arkansas must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, smoking cessation programming and biomarker testing to save lives. 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. Arkansas requires coverage of biomarker testing, but only in some health plans.

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).

Each year it is vital that funding for Medicaid expansion be included in the state’s budget. Maintaining Medicaid expansion is important for lung cancer patients because it funds lung cancer screening and treatment. The Lung Association will advocate for sustained Medicaid expansion funding during the legislative session. Additionally, as a highly rural state, one of the major barriers to lung cancer screening and treatment is lack of adequate transportation. The Lung Association encourages and will work to support efforts to provide more access to transportation particularly for people in rural areas far from lung cancer screening locations.

In Arkansas, COVID-19 impacted cancer surveillance in 2021. The following data is not available for the state:

• Rate of new lung cancer cases. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• Rate of early diagnosis. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• Rate of surgery. 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.
• Rate of lack of treatment. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.