Illinois Launches Free Statewide Lung Cancer Screening Initiative for At-Risk Residents

As the nation recognizes Women’s History Month, Illinois health leaders have launched a renewed, statewide effort to increase awareness of lung cancer screening among Black and Hispanic adults ages 50–80 who have a history of smoking.

During Women’s History Month, the Illinois Lung Cancer Screening Initiative is highlighting the often-overlooked impact of lung cancer on women. While breast cancer is more widely discussed, lung cancer kills more women each year than breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers combined. Yet, despite the proven benefit, women—particularly Black and Hispanic women—are screened at significantly lower rates.

“Women are the anchors of many households and caregiving networks,” said Mikayla Pittman, Senior Manager, Nationwide Lung Cancer Screening for the American Lung Association.  “Women’s History Month is a powerful reminder of the need to uplift and protect the health of women in every community. Ensuring equitable access to early screening means ensuring stronger families and healthier communities.”

The Initiative emphasizes the importance of early detection through screening, especially for women whose lung cancer often goes undiagnosed until later stages and aims to reduce longstanding disparities that have disproportionately impacted communities of color.

Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the U.S., accounting for more than 20% of all cancer deaths. In Illinois, Black and Hispanic residents face some of the greatest inequities in screening, early diagnosis, and survival outcomes.

Black Illinoisans continue to face the highest lung cancer rates among all racial and ethnic groups statewide. According to recent data:

• Black men in Illinois experience 73.7 lung cancer cases per 100,000 people.
• Black women in Illinois experience 56.6 cases per 100,000.
• Black and Hispanic adults are far less likely to be diagnosed early, when lung cancer is most treatable.
• Survival rates remain lower compared to white residents due to delays in diagnosis and barriers to care.

“Screening saves lives—and too many people in our communities still aren’t getting screened early enough,” said Pittman. “This Initiative is about removing barriers to preventive care and making it easier for people to act now.”

Now through the end of May, Illinois residents who are at risk for lung cancer may be eligible to access free, low-dose CT (LDCT) screenings through the American Lung Association. Residents can call a Lung Health Navigator at 844-ALA-LUNG to find out if they are eligible for a lung cancer screening. Through the Initiative, participants will receive information on finding nearby screening centers, guidance on how to obtain a referral from their doctor, assistance in understanding insurance coverage, and free transportation if needed.

Illinois residents can learn more and determine their eligibility by visiting Lung.org/LCS-Assistance.

If you’d like to speak to a Lung Association representative about the Lung Screening Program, please contact Janye Killelea at [email protected] or call (312) 940-7624.

Funding for this program made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health.