American Lung Association initiative aims to increase
screening, improve rates of biomarker testing
CHICAGO, July 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- About every two and a half
minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer.
Thankfully, access to early diagnosis, precision medicine and
biomarker testing can save lives and may provide for a better
quality of life for people living with lung cancer. Unfortunately,
biomarker testing is often underutilized, especially in the Black
community.
To address this disparity and improve the lives of people
impacted by lung cancer, today, the American Lung Association
launched Biomarker, Education, Awareness and Testing (BEAT)
Lung Cancer, a new initiative for biomarker education and
awareness, with a focus on increasing biomarker testing rates in
communities most impacted by lung cancer disparities.
"While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the
U.S., there has been incredible progress in survival thanks in part
to screening, biomarker testing and targeted treatments.
Unfortunately, only about 4.5% of people eligible have been
screened for lung cancer and a recent study found that 23% of
people diagnosed with lung cancer received chemo and radiation
therapy before they had received full biomarker testing,
leading to potentially unnecessary treatment and time lost," said
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of
the American Lung Association. "This campaign will focus on
increasing these numbers and improving the lives of people living
with lung cancer, with a focus on the communities most
impacted."
Biomarker testing is when a healthcare provider tests a tumor
for DNA and levels of specific proteins. These tests are also
sometimes called molecular or genomic testing. If doctors know
exactly what causes the tumor to grow, a person may be able to go
on a "targeted" therapy that can slow tumor growth or shrink the
tumor. Testing can also show levels of an important protein
called PD-L1 which may help predict if a patient would
benefit from immunotherapy.
Unfortunately, health disparities persist when it comes to lung
cancer care and biomarker testing. In fact, 26% of eligible white
patients received biomarker testing compared to 14% of eligible
Black patients. In addition, lung cancer affects Black
individuals, particularly Black men, differently than their white
counterparts. Black men are 11% more likely to be diagnosed
with lung cancer and 9.8% more Black men die from the disease.
A recent survey conducted by the American Lung Association found
that, among 33 Black individuals with lung cancer surveyed, that
42% report not having discussed their lung cancer risk with a
doctor prior to their lung cancer diagnosis and one quarter did not
receive biomarker testing for their lung cancer. The survey also
found that over a quarter indicated that their doctor did not
recommend biomarker testing for their lung cancer.
The American Lung Association's new BEAT Lung Cancer initiative
aims to beat lung cancer by:
- Increasing awareness about biomarker testing and lung cancer
screening nationwide;
- Raising awareness among Black lung cancer patients/caregivers,
as well as the larger Black community, about the availability and
importance of biomarker testing and lung cancer screening; and
- Empowering Black Americans to talk with their doctor about
biomarker testing and lung cancer screening.
Learn more at Lung.org/beat-lung-cancer.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung
Association is the leading organization working to save lives by
improving lung health and preventing lung disease through
education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung
Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat
lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality
of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to
create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the
American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity
Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To
support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local
event at Lung.org/events.
This year, the American Lung Association is celebrating
120 years! Join us in our journey to champion lung
health and help us celebrate 120 Years of Impact. Donate today
at Lung.org/donate.
American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker
Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL
60601
1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org
CONTACT: Jill
Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-801-7629E: Media@Lung.org
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SOURCE American Lung Association