New Report Finds Illinois Must Work to Reduce the Number 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 Illinois and across the U.S. This year’s report has some mixed news for Illinois with the state’s rate of new lung cancer cases higher than the national rate and the rate of people living five years after a lung cancer diagnosis above the national rate.

Here's how Illinois ranked in key categories:

• 34 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.
• 18 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 29.1%. 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.
• 17 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 17.4%. 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.
• 18 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 21.0%. 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.
• 14 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 18.0%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.

The report also found that Black individuals have the highest rates of lung cancer and Asian or Pacific Islander individuals in Illinois are least likely to be diagnosed early compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

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 shows Illinois must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, early detection initiatives and biomarker testing to save lives. It also presents opportunities for Illinois to further improve lung cancer 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 Illinois. To address the burden of lung cancer and to help improve the lives of people it impacts, the state must continue to invest in the Illinois Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. This report helps us prioritize which areas to focus on to truly make an impact,” said Kristina Hamilton, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Illinois must focus on increasing lung cancer screenings, resources for early detection initiatives and education about 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 fortunately, Illinois does 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 on other states to join our state in implementing policies to require insuranxce 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).

Earlier this year, the Illinois legislature and Governor Pritzker dedicated $1 million in the state budget to increase lung cancer screenings through the Illinois Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, which was launched by the Illinois Department of Public Health in 2022. The Lung Association and lung cancer prevention advocates statewide urge lawmakers to continue to allocate resources to this vital program.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb Oakbrook Terrace is coming up on Sunday March 9. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/Oakbrook.

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