Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., yet awareness of the disease and the actions that can help detect it early remain far too low. It is estimated that another 229,410 individuals in the U.S. alone will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
The American Lung Association’s 2026 Lung Health Barometer surveyed a nationally representative sample of 4,000 men and women to better understand public perceptions of lung cancer. The results reveal that awareness of lung cancer screening has improved over time; however, this percentage leaves room for improvement. Overall, it was found there is still a significant gap between what people know about lung cancer, and what they do to prevent it.
Page last updated: July 23, 2026
