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Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life. Sadly, systemic issues contribute to health disparities, including for those facing lung cancer. Individuals of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face worse outcomes compared to white individuals living in America 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 28 million uninsured people living in America 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 15% less likely to be diagnosed early, 19% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 11% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 16% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Latino individuals with lung cancer were 16% less likely to be diagnosed early, 30% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 9% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals in America. However, they were 2% more likely to receive surgical treatment compared to white individuals.
Asian individuals or Pacific Islanders with lung cancer were 17% less likely to be diagnosed early compared to white individuals in America. However, they were 17% more likely to receive surgical treatment, equally likely to not receive any treatment, and 14% more likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Indigenous Peoples (American Indians/Alaska Natives) with lung cancer were 14% less likely to be diagnosed early, 23% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 15% more likely to not receive any treatment, and equally likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.
Take Action
Join us by asking your members of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 4286, which will improve access to and raise awareness of lung cancer screening for those at high risk.
Page last updated: October 31, 2023
