Report: Biomarker testing would improve lung cancer outcomes for Virginians

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Virginia, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.

The 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report for Virginia found in most areas, the state ranks average, but legislation to support biomarker testing would be one way to help improve outcomes for residents.

Over the past five years, Virginia has seen the rate of new lung cancer cases improve, going down eight percent, and the rate is lower than the national average.

The top cause of lung cancer is smoking followed by radon, asbestos, secondhand smoke and other environmental carcinogens like diesel, arsenic and silica.

“In the last decade, we have seen incredible progress, including increases in lung cancer survival and early detection rates. This means that more people in Virginia are living longer after a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Aleks Casper, director of advocacy for the ALA. “While this progress gives us hope, early detection and survival rates are far too low in the Commonwealth.

“Working to increase awareness and access to lung cancer screening and biomarker testing are critical to saving lives. This is why Virginia must step in to ensure their residents have access to the best lung cancer care.”

Report highlights: Virginia

• 17 out of 51 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases, at 51.2 per 100,000, marking an 8 percent improvement over past five years. The national rate is 52.8 per 100,000.
• 31 out of 50 in the nation for early diagnosis, at 28.1 percent, marking a 13 percent improvement over the past five years. Nationally, only 28.1percent of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher.
• 26 out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening, at 18.4 percent. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for people at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20 percent. Nationally, only 18.2 percent of people at high risk were screened.
• 23 out of 49 in the nation for surgery as first course of treatment, at 20.1 percent. Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.7 percent of cases underwent surgery.
• Four out of 49 in the nation for lack of treatment, at 15.8 percent. Nationally, 21% of cases receive no treatment.
• The report found that Virginia does not require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.  The results of the test may show biomarkers that can help determine what treatment options would be best for an individual patient. Insurance coverage of biomarker testing is important for removing a cost barrier to people with lung cancer.