New Report Highlights Toll of Lung Cancer in South Carolina and Need for Increased Access to Biomarker Testing

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 South Carolina and across the U.S. The report finds that the survival rate in South Carolina is below average, at 22.6 percent, compared to the national average of 28.4 percent.  

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

• 33 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 58.7 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 34 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 25.5%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 32 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 26.8%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 25 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 16.7%. 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.
• 30 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 18.6%. 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.
• 29 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 21.1%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.
• 38 out of 51 in the nation for smoking at 15.4%. Nationally, 11.6% of adults currently smoke.

The report also reveals health disparities, with Latino individuals in South Carolina being most likely to receive no treatment.

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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina. 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 Danna Thompson, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in South Carolina. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that South Carolina must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, smoking cessation programming and 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. South Carolina does not 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 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).

South Carolina is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid, leaving more than 340,000 low-income South Carolinians without healthcare coverage. Research shows that many of these individuals falling into the coverage gap are veterans, farmers, part-time and hourly workers. The Lung Association urges policymakers to make Medicaid expansion a priority and close the coverage gap for these hard-working individuals.

“Thankfully, the lung cancer survival rate has improved due to increased awareness, access to healthcare and cutting-edge research into new treatments,” said TJ Thompson, chair of the Lung Association’s South Carolina Leadership Board and president of Atlantic Respiratory Services. “We need to keep up the momentum to save more lives. Together, we can make a difference.”

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. Lip Sync for Lungs is returning to Charleston Music Hall on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Learn more at LipSyncForLungs.org.