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 Americans because they are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and more likely to not receive any treatment. More than half of the 31 million uninsured Americans 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 Americans with lung cancer were 15% less likely to be diagnosed early, 19% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 10% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 12% less likely to survive five years compared to white Americans.
Latino Americans with lung cancer were 15% less likely to be diagnosed early, equally likely to receive surgical treatment, 28% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 25% less likely to survive five years compared to white Americans.
Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders with lung cancer were 16% less likely to be diagnosed early and 3% more likely to not receive any treatment compared to white Americans. However, unlike other groups, they were 16% more likely to receive surgical treatment and equally likely to survive five years compared to white Americans.
Indigenous Peoples (American Indians/Alaska Natives) with lung cancer were 13% less likely to be diagnosed early, 21% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 11% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 23% less likely to survive five years compared to white Americans.
Take Action
Email President Biden to thank him for his leadership on the Cancer Moonshot Initiative and urge him to work to increase lung cancer screening for individuals at high risk.
Page last updated: April 18, 2024