State of Lung Cancer Report Finds that Nebraska Struggles with Smoking and Lung Cancer Survival Rates

Today, the American Lung Association in Nebraska 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 here in Nebraska and across the U.S. The report finds that Nebraska ranks 25th in the nation for smoking, at 12.1%. According to the CDC cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer in the United States, and is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths.

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 Nebraska ranks:

• 19 out of 51 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases, at 51.9 per 100,000. The national rate is 52.8 per 100,000.
• 19 out of 39 in the nation for survival, at 30%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 29.7%.
• 8 out of 50 in the nation for early diagnosis, at 31.3%. Nationally, only 28.1% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 8 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening, at 23.6%. 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.
• 19 out of 49 in the nation for surgery as first course of treatment, at 20.9%. 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.
• 19 out of 49 in the nation for lack of treatment, at 19%. Nationally, 21% of cases receive no treatment.
• 25 out of 51 in the nation for smoking, at 12.1%.

“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 Nebraska 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 is critical to saving lives. This is why the state must step in to ensure their 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. The report found that Nebraska requires coverage of biomarker testing for individuals with private insurance and state-regulated insurance plans, or Medicaid.however not all diseases are covered under the bill, and the static list of tests may not keep pace with scientific advancements.

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