New Report Reveals Missouri Among Worst in Nation for Rate of 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 Missouri and across the U.S. This year’s report finds Missouri’s rate of new lung cancer cases is much higher than the national rate – 67.7 per 100,000 compared to 53.6 per 100,000.

Here's how Missouri ranked in key categories:

• 44 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 67.7 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 30 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 26.5%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 22 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 27.9%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 27 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 16.5%. 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.
• 33 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 17.8%. 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.
• 5 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 16.2%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.

The report also found that Asian or Pacific Islander individuals in Missouri are least likely to be diagnosed early.

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

The report shows Missouri must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, early detection initiatives and biomarker testing to save lives. It also presents opportunities for Missouri to further improve 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 Missouri. To alleviate the burden of lung cancer and to help enhance the lives of people touched by the disease, we must continue to assess the greatest needs. This report helps us prioritize which areas to focus on to truly make an impact,” said Laura Turner, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Missouri must focus on increasing access to lung cancer prevention, plus increase access to lung cancer screening 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. The report found that Missouri 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).

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. An estimated 33% of all Missouri homes tested are above the U.S. EPA Action Level of 4.0 pCi/L. The American Lung Association helps lead the Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition, with a key focus on raising awareness about radon and its connection to lung cancer through educational efforts throughout the state. Last year, the coalition worked with legislators to file a bill that would require regulation of radon professionals through certification and licensing and will introduce the bill in the 2025 legislative session.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb St. Louis returns to Metropolitan Square on Saturday, March 29. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/StLouis

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