Lung Cancer Awareness Month: What the Latest Report Reveals
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to boosting knowledge and insights about this issue within our communities and supporting the fight against it by promoting early detection.
Originally established in November 2000 by advocacy groups and medical organizations, this month is important to highlight advancements, boost prevention, and support for those affected by lung cancer. This year, 25 years after the first Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s look at the findings of The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of Lung Cancer report to understand key data on survival rates, action points, screening importance, and disparities.
Remember that early detection saves lives! So, mark in your calendar November 8 (National Lung Cancer Screening Day) and book an appointment with a lung care specialist in Chattanooga, TN at The Lung Docs.
Lung Cancer in 2025: New Findings and Trends
Currently, it is estimated that someone in the US is diagnosed with lung cancer every two minutes. This condition, which can be fatal without proper diagnosis and treatment, remains a key cause of death among people worldwide. Research plays a key role by supporting prevention screenings, and timely diagnosis and intervention. However, the recent cuts to major organizations, such as CDC, may threaten advances.
Rising Survival Rates: A 26% Increase Offers New Hope
Over the past years, advanced screenings and more targeted treatments have significantly increased lung cancer survival rates. Currently, the survival rate stands at nearly 30%, marking a 26% increase over just the past 5 years
The Power of Lung Cancer Screening and Early Detection
As we have seen above, screenings and prevention play a key role in allowing specialists, such as lung doctors in Chattanooga, to intervene early and boost the chances of survival. Today, screening recommendations have been expanded to high risk people (current and former smokers, those between 50 and 80, and those living in high-risk environments). Nonetheless, only just over 18% of those who are eligible to the prevention tests were screened in 2022. Taking part in National Lung Cancer Screening Day (Nov 8) by booking a screening with a pulmonologist in Chattanooga, TN, can help.
Lack of Treatment
There are multiple reasons why people may not receive treatment after a lung cancer diagnosis. Some of these reasons may be unavoidable, but no one should go untreated because of lack of provider or patient knowledge, lung cancer stigma, fatalism after diagnosis, or cost of treatment. Nationally, 21.0% of cases did not receive any treatment. Lack of treatment rates were best in Massachusetts (13.2%) and worst in Nevada (36.9%).
Lack of treatment rates did not change over the last five years, likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to medical care.
Advances in Biomarker Testing and Treatment Options
Over the past years, technology has allowed progress in finding new ways to diagnose and treat lung cancer. For instance, today, patients can access advanced biomarker testing and more targeted treatment options, which more efficiently diagnose and address lung cancer.
Take Action This Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection is more important than ever, especially if you are part of high-risk demographics, living in polluted environments, or have experienced lung cancer cases in your family. For peace of mind, join us this November by consulting with The Lung Docs in Chattanooga, TN. Book in your screening and get tailored recommendations to support your lung health.
Chattanooga’s leading lung doctor, Dr. Mike Czarnecki, MD, is renowned for delivering exceptional care and innovative treatments in pulmonary medicine. Whether you need a quick check-in to discuss symptoms or want to make sure your medications are optimized, a telehealth appointment can help you stay on top of your health from anywhere you go this holiday season. Click here to contact us to book an appointment.
