Report Urges New Jersey to Implement Policies to Increase Biomarker Testing to Help People Living with Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in New Jersey and across the U.S., but the American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals positive news. The lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% nationally and 21% in New Jersey over the last five years. The report also presents opportunities for New Jersey to further improve lung cancer survival by increasing access to biomarker testing and screening.

The organization’s seventh annual “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights how the toll of lung cancer varies by state and examines key indicators throughout the U.S., including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, screening rates and insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

The report found that New Jersey ranked among the top five best states for surgery as first course of treatment at 3 of 47 for screening at 9 of 51. The state also showed a 21% improvement over the past five years for the five-year survival rate and a 10% improvement for new cases. Unfortunately, the report also found that Black individuals in New Jersey are likely to receive no treatment (30% more likely than white individuals); 29% less likely to receive surgery as first course of treatment; and 25% less likely to be diagnosed early than white individuals. Additionally, Pacific Islanders are 24% and Latinos 18% less likely than white individuals to be diagnosed early when lung cancer is more curable.

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 New Jersey does not require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in New Jersey. 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 Michael Seilback, AVP, Nationwide Advocacy, for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that the New Jersey legislature must pass A4163/S3098 into law and ensure that New Jersey residents receive insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing coverage. Together, we can make a difference.”

The report found that New Jersey ranked:

• 15 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 49.6 per 100,000, which is a 10% improvement over past five years. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 9 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 31.4%, which is among the better in the U.S. and marks a 21% improvement over past five years. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 18 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 28.2%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 9 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 20.0%, and among the better in the U.S. 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.
• 3 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 25.8%, which is among the best in the nation. 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.
• 27 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 20.6%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.
• 7 out of 51 in the nation for adults who currently smoke at 10.4%, among the better in the nation.

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).

The Lung Association is also continuing to call on the state legislature to pass legislation to finally make New Jersey’s casinos 100% smokefree.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb New Jersey is coming up on April 25, 2025. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.newjersey.