The American Lung Association releases data that examines knowledge about lung cancer on World Lung Cancer Day.

RT’s Key Takeaways:

  1. Low Awareness of Screening: Only 38% of Americans surveyed were aware that lung cancer screening is available for those at high risk.
  2. Knowledge Gaps: The survey revealed significant gaps in public knowledge, with only 28% knowing that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US and only 15% aware of the recent increase in lung cancer survival rates.
  3. Need for Increased Dialogue: Despite lung cancer being a major health concern, 73% of adults have not discussed their risk with a doctor.

Survey data reveals that only 38% of those surveyed were aware that lung cancer screening is available for those at high risk. 

For World Lung Cancer Day, the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative released the 2024 Lung Health Barometer, a nationally representative survey that examines awareness, attitudes, and beliefs about lung cancer.

“The American Lung Association’s new survey provides a critical look at public awareness and attitudes regarding lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. This data provides crucial information to help us in our commitment to reduce the burden of lung cancer,” says Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, in a release. “The survey shows that we have a significant amount of work to do in increasing awareness about lung cancer screening, but also shows progress. Compared to our 2022 Lung Health Barometer, we saw a 27% increase in awareness of lung cancer screening.”

2024 Lung Health Barometer Findings

The 2024 Lung Health Barometer surveyed 4,000 people across the U.S. about lung health and lung cancer. Key findings show that: 

  • Only 28% of Americans knew that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US.
  • Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, only 10% of adults believed that lung cancer is among the most likely cancers to affect women while 35% believed that it was among those likely to affect men.
  • 38% of those surveyed were aware that lifesaving lung cancer screening is now available for those at high risk.
  • 70% of survey respondents agreed that they felt hopeful that the outcomes for those impacted by lung cancer improved over the past 10 years.
  • 73% of adults have not spoken with their doctor about their risk for lung cancer, and only 42% are concerned they might get the disease.
  • Only 15% of respondents were aware that the lung cancer survival rate increased by over 50% in the past 10 years.

This is the eighth year of the Lung Health Barometer, which is conducted by the Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative. LUNG FORCE unites those impacted by lung cancer and their caregivers across the country to stand together against lung cancer.

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