New Report: Tennessee Among Best in U.S. for Lung Cancer Treatment Access; Ranks Poorly for New Cases, Survival, Diagnosis, Surgery, Screening and Smoking Rates; Highlights Need for Biomarker Testing

Today, the American Lung Association in Tennessee 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 Tennessee and across the U.S. The report finds that Tennessee is among the national leaders for lung cancer treatment access (12 out of 49 states at 17.17%). However, it ranks among the worst for: new cases (38 out of 49 with a 14% improvement over past five years), five-year survival (31 out of 39 at 25.9%, but improved 22% over past five years); early-stage diagnosis (40 out of 50 at 26.3%) surgery as first course of treatment (38 out of 49 at 16.8%) and screening for high-risk individuals (40 out of 51 at 14.8%). 

The report also reveals that Tennessee has the 4th highest adult smoking rate in the nation, highlighting the need for sustained, recurring funding for the state tobacco prevention and cessation program which aims to prevent youth from starting tobacco use and supports individuals seeking to quit nicotine products.

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 Tennessee ranks:

• 45 out of 51 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases, at 66.90 per 100,000, which marks a 14% improvement over past five years. The national rate is 52.8 per 100,000.
• 31 out of 39 in the nation for survival, at 25.9%, which marks a 22% improvement over past five years. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 29.7%.
• 40 out of 50 in the nation for early diagnosis, at 26.3%. Nationally, only 28.1% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 40 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening, at 14.8%. 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.
• 38 out of 49 in the nation for surgery as first course of treatment, at 16.8%, which marks a 9% decline in past five years. 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.
• 12 out of 49 in the nation for lack of treatment, at 17.7%, marking a 21% decline in treatment. Nationally, 21% of cases receive no treatment.
• 49 out of 51 in the nation for adults who currently smoke at 17%. Nationally, the rate for adults who currently smoke is 11.4%.

“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 Tennessee are living longer after a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Shannon Baker, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. “While this progress gives us hope, incidence rates, early detection and survival rates remain too low in our state and tobacco use is far too high. Working to increase awareness and access to lung cancer screening and biomarker testing are critical to saving lives. This is why the state must step in to ensure Tennesseans have access to the best lung cancer prevention, detection and 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 Tennessee does not require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.

Additionally, 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 Tennessee lawmakers to require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing and to sustain recurring funding for the state tobacco prevention and cessation program. Learn more about the report and take action at Lung.org/solc.