Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life. Sadly, systemic issues contribute to health disparities, including for those facing lung cancer. Racial disparities exist in the lung cancer landscape. People of color are less likely to be diagnosed early as compared to white individuals. Black and Indigenous populations are less likely to receive surgical treatment as compared to white individuals. Black, Latino and Indigenous individuals are more likely to not receive any treatment as compared to white individuals. Additionally, survival rates are significantly lower among Black and Indigenous individuals as compared to white individuals.
Summary: Black individuals with lung cancer were 13% less likely to be diagnosed early, 17% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 11% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 15% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Summary: Latino individuals with lung cancer were 18% less likely to be diagnosed early and 23% 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.
Summary: Asian or Pacific Islander individuals with lung cancer were 18% less likely to be diagnosed early compared to white individuals. However, they were 20% more likely to receive surgical treatment, 6% less likely to not receive any treatment, and 15% more likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Summary: Indigenous Peoples (American Indians/Alaska Natives) with lung cancer were 14% less likely to be diagnosed early, 27% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 21% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 41% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Take Action
All lung cancer discoveries recommended today have been studied in clinical trials, including lung cancer screening and treatment advances. Urge Congress to support the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act to make clinical trials more accessible, including for people with lung cancer.
Page last updated: November 5, 2026