Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life. Sadly, systemic issues contribute to health disparities, including for those facing lung cancer. Individuals of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face worse outcomes compared to white individuals because they are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and more likely to not receive any treatment. Close to two-thirds of the 25 million uninsured people are people of color, and research is clear that having health coverage impacts people’s medical care and ultimately their health outcomes. Addressing racial disparities in healthcare coverage is critical to addressing racial disparities in lung cancer care.
Black individuals with lung cancer were 15% less likely to be diagnosed early, 19% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 12% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 16% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Latino individuals with lung cancer were 17% less likely to be diagnosed early and 30% more likely to not receive any treatment compared to white individuals. However, they were equally likely to receive surgical treatment and survive five years compared to white individuals.
Asian individuals or Pacific Islanders with lung cancer were 17% less likely to be diagnosed early compared to white individuals in America. However, they were 17% more likely to receive surgical treatment, and equally likely to not receive any treatment and survive five years compared to white individuals.
Indigenous Peoples (American Indians/Alaska Natives) with lung cancer were 12% less likely to be diagnosed early, 24% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 20% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 15% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Page last updated: November 13, 2024