Cancer prevention and control is a complex, multi-faceted effort that requires sustained attention and regular updates to remain effective in an evolving landscape. Lung cancer, one of the five most common cancers in the United States, has seen rapid advancements in prevention, screening, and treatment. However, many states have been slow to incorporate these developments into their comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans.
Kentucky stands out as a national leader. The state’s CCC plan includes clear and current strategies for addressing lung cancer, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based public health planning. Kentucky’s plan meets key criteria, including:
These evaluation criteria were developed by GO2 for Lung Cancer, an organization founded by patients and survivors, to assess the presence of lung cancer–specific strategies in state CCC plans. Kentucky’s plan avoids many of the gaps seen elsewhere, particularly regarding biomarker and genetic testing. As of December 2024, 86 percent of state CCC plans lacked sufficient information about biomarker or genetic testing for lung cancer, despite its proven value in guiding targeted therapies for different disease subtypes.
Kentucky also aligns with updated USPSTF recommendations for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening, joining 24 other states in adopting the latest guidance. These updates lowered the screening age from 55 to 50 and reduced the smoking history threshold from 30 pack-years to 20, expanding eligibility and enabling earlier detection. Early screening is critical to improving survival rates and reducing lung cancer mortality.
Developing and maintaining comprehensive cancer control plans is challenging as best practices and evidence continue to evolve. Ongoing collaboration among states is essential to ensure that emerging innovations, such as Kentucky’s example, are shared and adapted to meet the diverse needs of populations across the country.