Report Urges Kansas to Implement Policies to Increase Biomarker Testing for People with Lung Cancer

Today, the American Lung Association in Kansas released the 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report, which reveals that more needs 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 in Kansas and across the U.S. The report finds that Kansas ranks 23rd in the nation for early diagnosis, at 28.7%. Nationally, only 28.1% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.

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 Kansas ranks:

• 18 out of 51 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases, at 51.5 per 100,000. The national rate is 52.8 per 100,000.
• 23 out of 50 in the nation for early diagnosis, at 28.7%. Nationally, only 28.1% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 14 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening, at 21.3%. 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.
• 34 out of 51 in the nation for smoking, at 13.9%.

“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 Kansas are living longer after a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Sara Prem, 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 access to lung cancer screening and biomarker testing are critical to saving lives. 

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. The report found that Kansas does not require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

The positive trends detailed in the “State of Lung Cancer” report depend on the vital work of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as ensuring people have access to lung cancer screening and treatment through quality, affordable healthcare coverage. Recent funding and staffing cuts to NIH and CDC, along with deep cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, threaten this progress.
 
“CDC is critical in helping prevent lung cancer by funding programs to prevent tobacco use and helping people quit, and the research done at NIH has led to 72 new treatments for lung cancer in the last decade alone. The cuts to programs and research are devastating. Lives hang in the balance—we must keep up the momentum,” Prem added.

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 for Kansas to implement policies to require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. Learn more about the report and take action at Lung.org/solc.