State of Lung Cancer: New Report Reveals South Carolina Among Worst in Nation for Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Today, the American Lung Association in South Carolina 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 South Carolina and across the U.S. The report finds South Carolina is ranked 33rd in the nation for new lung cancer cases and 37th for early diagnosis. 

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 South Carolina ranks:

• 33 out of 51 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases, at 57.63 per 100,000. The national rate is 52.8 per 100,000.
• 28 out of 39 in the nation for survival, at 26.8%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 29.7%.
• 37 out of 50 in the nation for early diagnosis, at 27.1%. Nationally, only 28.1% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 24 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening, at 18.8%. 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.
• 30 out of 49 in the nation for surgery as first course of treatment, at 18.7%. 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.
• 30 out of 49 in the nation for lack of treatment, at 20.9%. Nationally, 21% of cases receive no treatment.
• 25 out of 51 in the nation for smoking, at 12.1%.

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 South Carolina does not require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

“A critical part of improving early detection and lung cancer survival rates is access to quality, affordable healthcare, said Danna Danna Thompson, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. “Policy makers need to close the coverage gap for the 400,000 South Carolinians without health insurance and protect federal premium subsidies. Working to increase awareness and access to lung cancer screening and biomarker testing are critical to saving lives.”

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.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk in Charleston is coming up on November 15. Learn more at LUNGFORCE.org/Charleston.