New Report Highlights Toll of Lung Cancer in North 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 North Carolina and across the U.S. The report finds that the incidence rate of lung cancer cases in North Carolina is much higher than national rate—62.9 per 100,000 compared to 53.6 per 100,000.

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

• 41 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 62.9 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 23 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 27.7%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 26 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 27.4%. Nationally, only 27.4% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 18 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 17.2%. 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.
• 26 out of 47 in the nation for surgery at 19.4%. 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.
• 10 out of 47 in the nation for lack of treatment at 17.4%. Nationally, 20.9% of cases receive no treatment.
• 28 out of 51 in the nation for smoking at 14.5%. Nationally, 11.6% of adults currently smoke.

The report also reveals health disparities, with Asian or Pacific Islander individuals in North Carolina 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 percent in the last five years due to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment.

The report also presents opportunities for North Carolina to further improve 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 North 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 North Carolina. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that North Carolina must focus on increasing access to lung cancer screening, early detection initiatives 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. North 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).

“Thankfully, the lung cancer survival rate has improved due to increased awareness, access to healthcare and cutting-edge research into new treatments,” said Jodi Strong, chair of the Lung Association’s North Carolina Leadership and vice president, WakeMed Physician Practices. “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. The Fight For Air Climb Charlotte is returning to The VUE on Saturday, March 29. Learn more at ClimbCharlotte.org.