Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., yet awareness of the disease and the actions that can help detect it early remain far too low. After all, it is estimated that approximately 229,410 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
The American Lung Association’s 2026 Lung Health Barometer surveyed a nationally representative sample of 4,000 men and women to better understand public perceptions of lung cancer, screening and risk. The findings reveal that awareness has improved over time; however, there is still a significant gap between what people know and what they do.
Page last updated: July 6, 2026
