State of Lung Cancer: New Report Reveals Connecticut 2nd Best in Nation for Survival and Screening, Behind Only Rhode Island; Also Among Leaders in Diagnosis and Treatment

Today, the American Lung Association in Connecticut released the 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report, which reveals that while the state leads in a number of measures, there remains more to be done to end the burden of this devastating disease on families throughout the state. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Connecticut and across the U.S. The report finds that Connecticut is second best in the country for five-year survival and high-risk screening (trailing only Rhode Island) and ranks above average for early-stage diagnosis and treatment measures. 
The Lung Association’s eighth 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 Connecticut ranks:

• 27 out of 51 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases, at 54.4 per 100,000, which marks a 10% improvement over the past five years. The national rate is 52.8 per 100,000.
• 2 out of 39 in the nation for survival, at 36.5%, which marks a 27% improvement over past five years. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 29.7%.
• 4 out of 50 in the nation for early diagnosis, at 34.4%, which marks a 9% improvement over past five years. Nationally, only 28.1% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 2 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening, at 27%. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for people at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20%. Nationally, only 18.2% of people at high risk were screened.
• 6 out of 49 in the nation for surgery as first course of treatment, at 24.4%. Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.7% of cases underwent surgery.
• 5 out of 49 in the nation for lack of treatment, at 16%. Nationally, 21% of cases receive no treatment.

“In the last decade, we have seen incredible progress, including increases in lung cancer survival and early detection rates. This means that more people in Connecticut are living longer after a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Ruth Canovi, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. “While this progress gives us hope, early detection and survival rates are far too low in our state. Working to increase awareness and equitable access to lung cancer screening and overall healthcare are critical to saving lives. This is why the Lung Association is working hard on the federal and state level to ensure Connecticut residents have access to the best lung cancer care.”

The “State of Lung Cancer” report also examines insurance coverage 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. In 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation to ensure access to biomarker testing in Medicaid and in 2025, they passed a law to require  insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing in the state regulated private insurance market.

Additionally, the state legislature has dedicated funds to lung cancer screening over the past three years.  This is a crucial step in raising awareness of the integral role screening plays in outcomes for people facing lung cancer.  As Connecticut looks to the expected impact of federal cuts to healthcare, the Lung Association will be working to ensure people can access the incredible care CT has to offer.  

The 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights opportunities for states to reduce the burden of lung cancer and encourages everyone to help end lung cancer. This year, the American Lung Association calls on other states to join Connecticut in implementing policies to require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. Learn more about the report and take action at Lung.org/solc.  In addition, we strongly encourage people to go to www.savedbythescan.org to learn if they are eligible for lung cancer screening.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association.  Fight For Air Climb Hartford is coming up on April 25, 2026. Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/hartford.