Lung Cancer Survival Rates Are Soaring, But a Looming Threat Could Derail Progress
A groundbreaking new report from the American Lung Association paints a picture of hope in the fight against lung cancer, the leading cancer killer in the United States. Their 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report (https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer) reveals a remarkable trend: more people than ever are surviving this devastating disease. Early detection rates are up, treatments are improving, and lives are being extended. But here’s where it gets concerning – just as we’re making strides, funding cuts threaten to stall this momentum.
This year, nearly 227,000 Americans will hear the words, “You have lung cancer.” Thankfully, doctors are catching it earlier, when it’s more treatable, and survival rates are climbing. The report dives deep into the data, examining state-by-state variations in new cases, survival rates, early diagnosis, treatment options, and access to crucial screenings and biomarker testing.
And this is the part most people miss: the progress we’re seeing is directly tied to the tireless work of organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These agencies fund research that leads to breakthroughs, support programs that prevent tobacco use, and ensure access to life-saving screenings and treatments.
But what happens when the funding dries up? Recent cuts to NIH, CDC, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act paint a worrying picture.
“The advancements we’ve seen in lung cancer research and early detection are nothing short of miraculous,” says Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, reflecting on his 40+ years in the field. “In just eight years, the five-year survival rate has jumped from 18% to nearly 30%. That’s incredible progress, offering hope to families devastated by this disease.”
Wimmer emphasizes the crucial role of the CDC in preventing lung cancer through tobacco cessation programs and the NIH’s research, which has led to 73 new lung cancer treatments in the past decade alone. “These cuts are devastating,” he warns. “Lives are at stake. We can’t afford to lose this momentum.”
The report highlights a key advancement: comprehensive biomarker testing. This testing helps doctors tailor treatments to individual patients, leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects. Insurance coverage for this testing is vital, removing a significant financial barrier. While progress is being made, with 17 states now mandating coverage, 28 states and Washington, DC, still lag behind.
Is it fair that access to potentially life-saving testing depends on where you live?
The report also sheds light on disparities in lung cancer outcomes. Black and Indigenous individuals face significantly lower survival rates compared to White individuals. They are less likely to be diagnosed early, receive surgical treatment, and more likely to go untreated.
Why do these disparities persist, and what more can be done to ensure equitable access to care?
The 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report is a call to action. It celebrates the progress made while sounding a clear alarm about the threats to continued success. We must prioritize funding for research, prevention, and access to care if we are to truly conquer this deadly disease. The question is, will we rise to the challenge?
The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.