Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in every state, nationwide. In 2025, it is estimated that more people will die from lung cancer than from breast and colorectal cancers combined. Despite this fact, lung cancer continues to be underrepresented in many state cancer control efforts.

Every state prepares a comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plan supported through the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP), housed in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These plans lay out strategies to reduce the burden of cancer in their geographic area. They typically include localized data on cancer incidence and mortality rates, along with strategies for prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship.

The CDC recommends that CCC plans include:

  • Clear overarching goals
  • Measurable outcomes
  • Evidence-based strategies
  • Plans for evaluating progress

NCCCP funding is a vital source of funding and coordination for state-level cancer control, but it is under significant threat. The current presidential budget proposal would eliminate this program. Without this critical support, many states may lose the funding and infrastructure they rely on to make lasting, sustainable progress in cancer control, especially for lung cancer.

To bridge this uncertainty surrounding federal support, GO2 has developed a set of evidence-based resources, drawing on best practices from its Centers of Excellence (COE) designation criteria. These tools are designed to help states develop strong, actionable lung cancer sections in their CCC plans.

GO2 reviewed CCC plans from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. using a 10-point criteria system to assess how well lung cancer is represented in these plans. Greater weight was given to elements directly related to lung cancer, and each plan received a GO2 CCC Lung Plan Score.

The analysis revealed serious gaps:

  • 53% of states do not reference the current United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) lung cancer screening recommendations
  • Nearly 90% of plans fail to include information on lung cancer biomarker testing
  • 18% of plans do not identify lung cancer screening as an objective or goal

These omissions represent missed opportunities to save lives through early detection, access to personalized treatment, and equitable care.

By leveraging GO2’s tailored resources, states can strengthen their CCC plans and develop more effective, equitable strategies to reduce lung cancer mortality.

Want to know how your state’s plan measures up—or what to advocate for in the next update? Visit the GO2 CCC Plan page to learn more.