ACS Cancer Updates 2025
The American Cancer Society recently released the 2025 Cancer Facts and Figures which included several important updates in lung cancer. Explore 2025 updated statistics. While lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, there have been significant improvements in survival and treatment outcomes.
The 5-year survival rate has risen to 27% compared to 17% in 2014. Lung cancer mortality rates have dropped dramatically which means that more people are living with lung cancer. In 2025, women under age 50 are now being diagnosed with lung cancer more than men. Women have an 82% higher cancer incidence rate compared to men, but overall, both genders face a 5.7% lifetime risk of lung cancer, which is second highest among all cancer types.
While the overall incidence of lung cancer continues to pose a challenge, there’s good news: the incidence rate of new cases in men has been declining steadily. From 2012 to 2021, the rate dropped by 3.0% per year in men, and 1.4% annually in women as cultural smoking patterns have changed over the years. As smoking rates continue to decline and awareness around prevention grows, we can expect these numbers to continue improving.
Early screening is playing a key role in reducing lung cancer’s impact. For individuals aged 50-80 with a 20+ pack-year smoking history, low-dose helical CT scans are highly recommended for early detection. Despite the high risk from cigarette smoking, dangerous radon gas exposure remains the second leading cause of lung cancer. With over 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in the United States each year, lung cancer remains a major health concern.
Overall, it is encouraging to see a decline in people are dying from lung cancer but it is concerning that more young women are being diagnosed with lung cancer. As more people are diagnosed with lung cancer, more will be living with the disease. Lung Cancer Initiative strives to provide a supportive community to those with lung cancer and their families. Over the years, LCI’s survivor program has grown to meet the need and LCI is committed to being a resource for lung cancer patients through their lung cancer journey.
About Lung Cancer Initiative
As a leading non-profit organization supporting lung cancer research and education, Lung Cancer Initiative specializes in connecting patients, survivors, and loved ones with the medical and research community. The organization’s mission is to advance survivorship and provide support to those affected by lung cancer through research, education and access programs. For more information, or to get involved, please visit us at www.LungCancerInitiative.org.
