American Lung Association Launches BEAT Lung Cancer Initiative for Biomarker Testing

The American Lung Association has launched the Biomarker, Education, Awareness and Testing (BEAT) Lung Cancer initiative, which focuses “on increasing biomarker testing rates in communities most impacted by lung cancer disparities,” according to an announcement from the association.

Officials say the new initiative aims to beat lung cancer by:

• Increasing awareness about biomarker testing and lung cancer screening nationwide
• Raising awareness among Black patients with lung cancer and their caregivers, as well as the larger Black community, about the availability and importance of biomarker testing and lung cancer screening
• Empowering Black Americans to talk with their doctors about biomarker testing and lung cancer screening

It’s important to address disparities in biomarker testing, as testing can inform treatment approaches and help patients receive the right therapies for their specific type of lung cancer.

“While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the [United States], 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 23.0% 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, in a statement. “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.”

Only 14% of eligible Black patients with lung cancer receive biomarker testing, compared with 26% of White patients, illuminating the fact that “health disparities persist when it comes to lung cancer care and biomarker testing,” officials said in the announcement. In addition, a recent survey by the American Lung Association showed that 42% of Black patients with lung cancer did not discuss their lung cancer risk with a doctor prior to their diagnosis and 25% did not receive biomarker testing for lung cancer.

The association also emphasized the importance of recognizing that “lung cancer affects Black individuals, particularly Black men, differently than their White counterparts,” and Black men are 11.0% more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer, with 9.8% more Black men dying from the disease.

For more information, visit lung.org/beat-lung-cancer.

Source: PR Newswire