A new report on lung cancer has mixed news for Central Appalachian states.

The American Lung Association says Kentucky and West Virginia continue to have the nation’s highest lung cancer rates — and the highest smoking rates — according to its 2025 State of Lung Cancer report.

Kentucky ranks worst in the nation for new lung cancer cases, while West Virginia ranks second. Both states also lead the country in adult smoking — with West Virginia at just over 20 percent and Kentucky at 17 percent.

Despite those numbers, both states are seeing progress. The report shows five-year survival rates have improved in recent years — up to 32 percent in Kentucky and 27 percent in West Virginia. Kentucky also ranks above average in screening, with more than 21 percent of high-risk residents getting checked, while West Virginia remains below average at just 15 percent.

The American Lung Association is calling on both states to expand access to screening, increase funding for tobacco prevention, and ensure insurance coverage for biomarker testing — which helps match patients with targeted treatments.

You can read the full report on the American Lung Association’s website.