American Lung Association shares insights on lung cancer awareness in advance of World Lung Cancer Day

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association today issued its 2026 Lung Health Barometer, highlighting that knowledge of lung cancer screening remains alarmingly limited. Just one-third (33%) of participants knew low-dose CT scans exist for those at elevated risk. Early detection through screening expands treatment choices and improves results. Data emerged ahead of World Lung Cancer Day, observed globally each year on August 1.

The Lung Health Barometer serves as a twice-yearly national poll, now in its eighth round, that measures public understanding and views on lung cancer. Researchers polled a representative group of 4,000 adults nationwide. Outcomes guide the Lung Association's work to combat lung cancer by boosting recognition of the condition and screening access.

"The 2026 Lung Health Barometer shows much more effort is needed to increase understanding of lung cancer and lifesaving screening options. Lung cancer leads all cancer deaths in the U.S., making prevention and early detection vital for easing the burden on families nationwide," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Findings also indicate most adults have not discussed their personal risk with a healthcare provider, which raises concern since screening identifies cancer sooner when success rates are higher."

Key results from the 2026 Lung Health Barometer include:

Screening enables early detection for high-risk adults, yet only 33% of those polled knew this option exists for eligible individuals.
Just 28% of respondents recognized lung cancer as the top cause of cancer deaths nationwide.
Though lung cancer tops cancer deaths for both genders, only 8% viewed it as among the most probable cancers for women, compared with 32% for men.
70% of participants felt optimistic that outcomes for lung cancer patients have advanced in the last decade.
76% have never discussed lung cancer risk with their physician, and just 36% expressed worry about developing the disease.

These outcomes point to a gap between advances in prevention, screening and care and public understanding. Better knowledge of risk factors, eligibility rules and effects on women and men alike will help more people gain from early detection and recent progress in outcomes.

*Per U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines, high-risk individuals qualify for screening if aged 50-80, with a 20 pack-year smoking history (one pack daily for 20 years or two packs daily for 10 years), and currently smoke or quit within 15 years. An eligibility quiz is available at Savedbythescan.org.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association leads efforts to save lives through better lung health and disease prevention via education, advocacy and research. Its focus covers four main goals: defeating lung cancer, promoting clean air, enhancing life quality for those with lung conditions and families, and building a tobacco-free future. For details on the American Lung Association, which holds a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and Platinum-Level GuideStar status, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872).

CONTACT:
Jill Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289 E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association