American Lung Association program hopes to close the gap in Black health
NEW ORLEANS (April 16, 2026) — This April, during National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, Louisiana is confronting longstanding disparities in lung cancer outcomes by expanding access to early screening for those most at risk. A statewide initiative has launched, with a focus on increasing awareness of lung cancer screening among Black men and women ages 50–80 with a history of smoking.
Now through the end of December, Louisiana residents at high risk for lung cancer may be eligible for free or low-cost low dose CT (LDCT) screenings through the American Lung Association. Residents can call a Lung Health Navigator at 844-ALA-LUNG to determine eligibility. Participants will receive assistance finding screening centers, obtaining referrals, understanding insurance coverage, and accessing free transportation if needed.
“Screening saves lives but too many Louisianans still aren’t being screened early enough,” said Allie Kelsey, Manager, Nationwide Lung Cancer Screening for the American Lung Association. “This initiative is about removing barriers and making it easier for people to take preventive action before it’s too late.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in Louisiana, yet too many people are still diagnosed after the disease has already spread. Early detection through annual low dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20 percent, but screening rates remain low, especially in communities of color.
“National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month is about taking action before cancer takes lives,” said Kelsey. “Too many Black Louisianans are diagnosed at later stages, when treatment options are more limited. Expanding equitable access to screening is one of the most powerful ways we can change outcomes.”
Louisiana continues to rank among the states with the highest lung cancer incidence rates in the nation, and racial and ethnic disparities in diagnosis and treatment remain stark. Black men experience some of the highest lung cancer rates in the country, while Black adults are significantly less likely to be diagnosed early, when lung cancer is most treatable.
Louisiana ranks among the worst in the nation for new lung cancer cases with lung cancer as the #1 cause of cancer deaths for both men and women. According to our 2025 State of Lung Cancer report, Louisiana’s overall lung cancer incidence rate is 61.1 cases per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national rate of 52.8.
Black Louisianans, especially men, shoulder a disproportionate burden of disease:
- Black individuals in Louisiana experience lung cancer incidence rates exceeding 64.1 cases per 100,000, and Black residents are the least likely to receive surgical treatment according to American Lung Association data.
- Black individuals are less likely to be diagnosed early, receive timely surgical care, and achieve five-year survival compared to white individuals.
Louisiana residents can also learn more and check eligibility by visiting Lung.org/LCS-Assistance.
To speak with an American Lung Association representative about the Lung Cancer Screening Program, please contact Janye Killelea at [email protected] or call (312) 940-7624.