The survey of 4,000 adults highlights a significant gap between medical advancements and public knowledge. Despite lung cancer being the deadliest form of the disease for both men and women, only 28% of respondents correctly identified it as the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Furthermore, 76% of those polled have never discussed their personal risk levels with a healthcare provider, leaving many to miss out on early detection opportunities that could improve survival rates.
Most Americans Unaware of Lifesaving Lung Cancer Screenings
Only one-third of U.S. adults understand that low-dose CT scans are available to detect lung cancer in high-risk individuals, according to the American Lung Association’s 2026 Lung Health Barometer. This low awareness persists even as the disease remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the country.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, noted that the findings underscore an urgent need for better education. Screening is currently recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and either currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. While 70% of respondents expressed optimism regarding improved outcomes over the last decade, this hope is not currently reflected in proactive health screenings. The association continues to point toward resources like Savedbythescan.org to help individuals assess their eligibility for these critical diagnostic scans.
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