Lung Cancer & Tobacco

Lung Cancer &
Tobacco In Louisiana

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, claiming more lives than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined. In Louisiana, lung cancer accounts for approximately one out of every three cancer deaths.

Beating Lung Cancer & Tobacco Use

More than 80% of lung cancers are caused by smoking, including secondhand smoke exposure. Preventing smoking and reducing exposure to smoke would significantly reduce lung cancer cases.

Smoking also increases the risk of several other cancers, including cancers of the:

  • Mouth and throat
  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Pancreas
  • Bladder
  • Kidney
  • Liver
  • Colon and rectum
  • Cervix
  • Blood (leukemia)

Beyond cancer, smoking is a leading cause of heart disease, chronic lung disease, and stroke. That’s why reducing tobacco use remains one of the most effective ways to protect health and save lives.

Our Focus

Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs (LCP) plays a key role in the fight against lung cancer. Our work focuses on prevention, early detection, and informed decision-making LCP promotes tobacco-free lifestyles, supports smoking cessation efforts and educates Louisianians about the long-term risks of smoking and secondhand smoke.

In addition, LCP promotes awareness of lung cancer screening guidelines, encouraging eligible individuals to talk with their healthcare providers about low-dose CT screenings that can detect lung cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

The Power Of Partnerships

Through partnerships with healthcare systems, community organizations, and public health leaders, LCP provides evidence-based information and practical resources designed to lower risk, improve outcomes, and save lives across Louisiana.

  • Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan – Every five years, we partner with state health organizations to produce the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (also known as “The State Cancer Plan”). This extensive document contains statistics on preventable cancers, as well as screening recommendations, goals, objectives, and strategies to beat cancer.
  • Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalitions – Local coalitions across Louisiana work to prevent chronic diseases like cancer by promoting smoke-free environments, healthier lifestyles and community-driven solutions. LCP supports these efforts with tools, training and resources. Learn More About LHCCs.

A Strong Foundation Of Data

Many researchers and health experts, including the LCP team, rely on data from the Louisiana Tumor Registry (LTR) to help inform policy decisions. LTR is one of the top-ranked cancer registries in the United States. It provides the data that help shape national cancer statistics and drive funding for prevention, research, and more.

Screening Guidelines

There is now an effective screening test for people at a high risk for lung cancer. A low-dose CT scan (LDCT) can detect lung cancer earlier than traditional chest X-rays, often before symptoms appear. Annual LDCT screening for eligible individuals has been shown to reduce lung cancer deaths.

National guidelines recommend annual lung cancer screening for adults who:

  • Are typically ages 50–80
  • Have a significant smoking history
  • Currently smoke or quit within the past several years

A healthcare provider can help determine eligibility.

Vaping & E-Cigarettes

E-cigarettes are not harmless. Severe lung injuries and deaths have been linked to vaping, and the long-term health effects are still being studied. Because many people who vape also use tobacco, the combination may increase lung cancer risk rather than reduce it.

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