Arkansas ranks among the worst states in the nation for new lung cancer cases, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.
The organization’s 2025 State of Lung Cancer report places Arkansas 47th out of 51 states and the District of Columbia, with a rate of 68.2 new cases per 100,000 people, compared with the national rate of 52.8. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in both Arkansas and the U.S.
The report also shows that 16.6% of high-risk Arkansans were screened for lung cancer, below the national average of 18.2%, and that 15% of adults in the state smoke, ranking 41st nationally.
“In the last decade, we’ve seen progress in lung cancer survival and early detection, but early detection and survival rates remain far too low in Arkansas,” said Laura Turner, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. “Increasing awareness and access to screening and biomarker testing are critical to saving lives.”
The report also found that Arkansas requires insurance coverage for biomarker testing — which can guide personalized treatment — but only in some health plans.
The Lung Association urged state leaders to expand coverage to all insurance plans, including Medicaid. The full report and state rankings are available at Lung.org/solc.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on
93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
