State of Lung Cancer: New Report Reveals Rhode Island Is the Best in the Nation for Survival, Early Diagnosis and Screening; Among the Worst for New Case Incidents

Today, the American Lung Association in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island and across the U.S. The report finds that Rhode Island is the best in the nation for five-year survival, early-stage diagnosis and screening, all indicators of strong and effective healthcare systems. It also ranks 4th for surgery as first course of treatment and 2nd for receiving treatment. However, the Ocean State ranks below average (37 out of 51 states including D.C.) for new case incident rates, indicating challenges in prevention. Though the state has shown a 15% improvement over the past five years, showing that public health efforts are making meaningful progress. 

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 Rhode Island ranks:

• 37 out of 51 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases, at 59.1 per 100,000, marking a 15% improvement over past five years. The national rate is 52.8 per 100,000.
• 1 out of 39 in the nation for survival, at 37.6%, marking a 32% improvement over past five years. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 29.7%.
• 1 out of 50 in the nation for early diagnosis, at 35.5%, marking a 33% improvement over past five years. Nationally, only 28.1% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 1 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening, at 31%. 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.
• 4 out of 49 in the nation for surgery as first course of treatment, at 24.5%. 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.
• 2 out of 49 in the nation for lack of treatment, at 13.3%. 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 Rhode Island are living longer after a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Daniel Fitzgerald, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. “While this progress gives us hope, early detection and survival rates are still too low in our state. Working to increase awareness and access to lung cancer screening and biomarker testing are critical to saving lives. Rhode Island is a true leading in lung cancer care, but we have more work to do to ensure all residents have access to the best lung cancer outcomes.”

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 Rhode Island does require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

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 Rhode Island in implementing policies to require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. Learn more about the report and take action at Lung.org/solc.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Providence Affair for Air Gala is on November 14, 2025. Fight For Air Climb in Providence is coming up on April 4, 2026.  Learn more at FightForAirClimb.org/providence.