Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life. Sadly, systemic issues contribute to health disparities, including for those facing lung cancer. People 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 individuals in American 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 13% less likely to be diagnosed early, 19% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 11% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 13% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Latino individuals with lung cancer were 18% less likely to be diagnosed early and 26% more likely to not receive any treatment compared to white individuals. However, they were 2% more likely to receive surgical treatment and equally likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Asian or Pacific Islanders individuals with lung cancer were 18% less likely to be diagnosed early compared to white individuals. However, they were 18% more likely to receive surgical treatment, 3% less likely to not receive any treatment, and 16% more likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Indigenous Peoples (American Indians/Alaska Natives) with lung cancer were 13% less likely to be diagnosed early, 26% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 23% more likely to not receive any treatment, and equally likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Page last updated: September 30, 2025