American Lung Association addresses South Carolina’s cancer issues
On the heels of a bombshell report by the American Lung Association about South Carolina’s low ranking concerning lung cancer cases, experts are weighing in on ways the Palmetto State can bounce back in lung health.
What the 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” Report Found
Published in November 2025, the ALA’s 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report revealed the significant amount of work South Carolina needs to improve its ranking of 33rd in the nation for new lung cancer cases and 37th for early diagnosis.
Policy Priorities to Improve Lung Health
Danna Thompson, ALA director of advocacy and public policy for Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, believes a variety of factors can improve South Carolina’s score. These include passing comprehensive biomarker testing, closing the insurance gap and supporting and funding South Carolina’s tobacco control initiatives.
What Comprehensive Biomarker Testing Means
Comprehensive biomarker testing is a critical diagnostic process, particularly in oncology, that analyzes tumor tissue or blood for genetic mutations or protein expression to guide personalized treatment. It identifies specific, actionable targets for targeted therapies or immunotherapy, often improving outcomes in advanced cancer.
While biomarker testing is an effective treatment of lung cancer, it isn’t covered by insurance in South Carolina. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the state and one of the most diagnosed cancers in the country.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Patient Advocacy
The week of the report’s release, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, joining lawmakers, survivors and those who have lost loved ones to the disease. This proclamation was released in partnership with lung cancer survivor J.J. Gentry, whose survival is largely due to biomarker testing.
“He was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to advocate for himself to get the biomarker testing because it wasn’t covered by insurance,” Thompson explained.
As director of advocacy, Thompson works closely with other national health organizations in her region to bring awareness to these issues. She said one of her favorite initiatives is requiring South Carolina insurance agencies to cover biomarker testing.
How Biomarker Testing Supports Treatment Decisions
Similar to Thompson, Dr. Emily Touloukian with Coastal Cancer Center sees the need for biomarker testing.
“Biomarker testing is essential in the treatment of many stages of lung cancer, as it allows physicians to evaluate the eligibility of a patient for certain treatments which may be less toxic or more effective, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy,” Dr. Touloukian said.
She added that physicians at Coastal Cancer Center spent time on advocacy and policy efforts at both the state and federal level to help expand coverage for biomarker testing.
Smoking, Screening Rates, and Late-Stage Diagnosis
Dr. Touloukian and her colleagues attribute South Carolina’s higher-than-normal number of cancer cases to two factors: cigarette smoking and lower rates of screenings. South Carolina’s lung cancer screening rate is below the national average. As a result, a majority of lung cancer cases are being detected in later stages after symptoms appear and the disease is far more advanced.
Access to Care, Second Opinions, and Treatment Options
A referral is not required to be treated at Coastal Cancer Center, which accepts self-referred patients, sees patients for second opinions and provides primary treatment for lung cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy.
Similar to Coastal Cancer Center, the ALA has initiated numerous awareness campaigns and tapped community resources to help educate the public about lung cancer, the services people are qualified to receive and where they can undergo screenings. This is a good sign since nationally, 21% of all cases go untreated.
Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. According to the ALA, surgery is the first course of treatment for 20.7% of lung cancer cases nationally.
Local Support Resources and Financial Assistance
Simply providing access to resources can be life-changing. Dr. Touloukian explained that Coastal Cancer Center has made an effort to be in its community in multiple locations so patients do not have to travel far for care. CCC also helps patients obtain financial assistance when needed through avenues including grants, pharmaceutical assistance and the Carolina Cancer Foundation.
Looking Ahead for Lung Health in South Carolina
Overall, Thompson believes the future is looking bright for South Carolina despite the report’s findings. She expressed hope that the state will one day soon require coverage of biomarker testing.
“Working to increase awareness and access to lung cancer screening and biomarker testing is critical to saving lives, and we are working tirelessly to make that a reality,” Thompson added.
By Colby Denton
