New Report Finds that Alaska Must Work to Improve Screening Rates to Reduce Lung Cancer Burden

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Alaska and across the U.S., but the American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals positive news. The lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% in the last five years. The report also presents opportunities for Alaska to further improve lung cancer survival by increasing access to screening and biomarker testing. 

The organization’s seventh annual “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights how the toll of lung cancer varies by state and examines key indicators throughout the U.S., including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, screening rates and insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. 

The report found that Alaska ranked 44th in the nation for lung cancer screening rates. The report also found that Indigenous Peoples in Alaska are most likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer. 

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 Alaska does not require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. 

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in Alaska. 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 Carrie Nyssen, Directory of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Alaska must focus on improving lung cancer screening rates. Together, we can make a difference.” 

The report found that Alaska ranked: 

• 20 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 52.6 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000. 

• 28 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 27.0%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%. 

• 44 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 11.9%. 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. 

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).  

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