New Survey: Most Americans Don’t Know About Lifesaving Lung Cancer Screening

Survey data released today show that only 36% of people know that lung cancer screening is available and 28% know that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men. Today, the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative released the 2021 Lung Health Barometer, and highlights local activities in North Carolina for Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

“Here in North Carolina and across the nation, lung cancer is the leading cancer killer. It is estimated that in 2021, 8,830 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 4,790 will die from the disease,” said Jennifer Hall, executive director for the Lung Association.“However, there is hope. The five-year survival rate has increased 33% in the past 10 years thanks to advancements in treatment, research and lifesaving lung cancer screening.”

The 2021 Lung Health Barometer surveyed 4,000 Americans nationwide about lung health and lung cancer. Some key findings show that:

• 29% of Americans know that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men, which is an 8% increase from the 2020 Lung Health Barometer.
• Only 10% of adults understand that lung cancer is among the most likely cancers to affect women while 35% know that it is among those cancers most likely to affect men.
• Only 36% of respondents know that lung cancer screening is now available for early detection of the disease for those who are high risk.

See more Lung Health Barometer survey results here.

Throughout Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Lung Association will be sharing new resources, the State of Lung Cancer Report (November 16), inspiring patient stories and lifesaving lung cancer screening information.

Here in North Carolina, on November 4 at noon, the Lung Association will host North Carolina Community Connections, presented by Novant Health and Wells Fargo. This free 30-minute educational webinar will feature a community leader, physician and lung cancer survivor who will discuss lung cancer screening and prevention. Media and the public are welcome to register for the free Zoom webinar at https://bit.ly/3GsGvtw.

Additionally, the Lung Association is continuing its LUNG FORCE Hero campaign throughout November. The community is invited to read stories about residents impacted by lung cancer and donate here, and billboards in Charlotte will feature those who have been impacted by lung cancer.