The American Lung Association (ALA) released its 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report in November 2025. The annual report, now in its sixth consecutive year, evaluates key lung cancer indicators across states to better understand the disease burden and identify gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
According to the report, the national 5-year average lung cancer survival rate increased from 18% to 30% in only 8 years. The association said the data reflect the continued toll on those affected by lung cancer; however, it also provides insight into the progress made throughout the years.
“This is important progress and offers hope against a disease that is absolutely devastating to too many families across the US,” Harold Wimmer, ALA President and CEO, said.
Nearly 227,000 people in the US are projected to be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2025, with incidence rates varying substantially from state to state, highlighting the importance of local-level data when advocating for policy changes.
Among key findings, the report highlights trends in new cases, survival rates, early-stage diagnosis, screening participation, surgical intervention, and treatment availability. It also identifies significant racial and ethnic disparities, with Black and Indigenous populations experiencing lower survival rates and inequitable access to early detection and guideline-concordant care.
Policy remains a critical contributor to outcomes, both positive and negative. According to the ALA, only 17 states currently require insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing, limiting access to precision oncology for many patients. The ALA has called for states to implement policies to require insurance coverage of biomarker testing and to do more to protect their residents from lung cancer.
The ALA also warned that recent federal funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may impede progress in research, surveillance, and the development of new therapies.
“The CDC is critical in helping to prevent lung cancer by funding programs to prevent tobacco use and help people quit,” Mr. Wimmer said. “The research done at NIH has led to 73 new treatments for lung cancer in the past decade alone. The cuts to programs and research are devastating. Lives hang in the balance; we must keep up the momentum.” To learn more about the report and how to take action in your state, visit Lung.org/solc.
