LUNG cancer survival rates are improving nationwide, driven by earlier diagnosis, innovative therapies, and broader access to biomarker testing. However, recent funding cuts could threaten continued progress in prevention and treatment.
Early Detection and Improved Outcomes
New national data reveal that the five-year lung cancer survival rate has climbed to nearly 30%, a notable improvement from 18% just eight years ago. Clinicians attribute this success to advances in early detection, expanded low-dose CT screening programs, and breakthroughs in targeted therapies. Early-stage detection now occurs in 28% of cases, when curative treatment is most effective. Survival rates are highest in Rhode Island, reaching 37.6%, compared with 22.7% in Alabama.
Surgical treatment remains a cornerstone of care for patients diagnosed early. Approximately 20.7% of lung cancer cases underwent surgery as the first course of treatment, consistent with prior years. Despite this progress, disparities persist in access to timely care and treatment adherence across the U.S.
Biomarker Testing Expands but Remains Uneven
Comprehensive biomarker testing continues to advance precision oncology in lung cancer care. This testing enables physicians to identify molecular drivers of disease and tailor therapies with greater accuracy and fewer side effects. Seventeen states now mandate insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing, with New Jersey and Connecticut joining the list this year. However, 28 states and Washington, D.C., still lack formal coverage requirements, limiting equitable access to this diagnostic tool.
Funding Challenges and Public Health Impact
Experts caution that progress against lung cancer depends heavily on sustained federal support for research and prevention. Recent reductions in funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coupled with cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, risk undermining advances in screening and treatment. Public health initiatives that reduce tobacco use and expand early diagnosis remain essential to maintaining these survival gains.
Reference: American Lung Association (ALA). Lung Cancer Advancements Are Saving More Lives Than Ever, but Funding Cuts May Hinder Progress. 2025. Available at: https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/fy26-solc-national. Last accessed: 11 November 2025.
