New Report Highlights Toll of Lung Cancer in Kansas

Today, the American Lung Association released its 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report, which examines key indicators to highlight how the toll of lung cancer varies by state. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths across the U.S. including Kansas. This year’s report has mixed news for Kansas with the state ranked below the national average for new lung cancer cases and ranked among the best for lung cancer screenings.

Here's how Kansas ranked in key categories:

• 18 out of 49 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 52.2 per 100,000. The national rate is 53.6 per 100,000.
• 33 out of 47 in the nation for survival at 26.1%. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4%.
• 14 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening at 18.7%. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20%. Nationally, only 16% of those at high risk were screened.

Overall, the “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals positive news. Nationally, the lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% in the last five years due to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment.

The report presents opportunities for Kansas to further improve survival by increasing access to lung cancer screenings, which can detect the disease at an earlier stage when its more curable, and biomarker testing which can help influence treatment options because not all lung cancers are the same. 

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease and impacts far too many families in Kansas and greater Kansas City. To address the burden of lung cancer and to help improve the lives of people it impacts, we must continue to evaluate the greatest needs. This report helps us prioritize which areas to focus on to truly make an impact,” said Sara Prem, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “This year’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report shows that Kansas must focus on early detection initiatives for saving lives.”

New this year, “State of Lung Cancer” examines health insurance coverage requirements 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 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report highlights opportunities for states and the federal government 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. The Lung Association also calls on Congress to pass the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act (H.R. 4286).

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb Kansas City returns to One Kansas City Place on Sunday, March 2. Learn more at KCClimb.org

Media Resources:

• B-Roll is available here:
  • Lung Cancer Screening: LungCancerB-roll_Final.mp4 | Powered by Box
  • Doctor and Patient: Broll: Doctor and patient consultation.mp4 | Powered by Box
• American Lung Association logos are available here: Media | American Lung Association