Veteran Lung Cancer Survival Rises to 51%
Adults at high risk, including veterans, may benefit from discussing low-dose CT screening with a doctor.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Cancer
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A Veterans Affairs study found that three-year survival for lung cancer among veterans rose from 24% in 2007 to 51% in 2019. The analysis covered nearly 1.5 million veterans treated within the VA system, and the gains are relevant to veterans and other adults at high risk for the disease.
Why it matters
Military veterans face higher rates of lung cancer linked to smoking, burn pits, Agent Orange, and asbestos exposure, so improvements in survival carry particular weight for this group. Experts pointed to earlier detection through low-dose CT screening as a key part of the progress.
This is a retrospective analysis of VA-treated veterans covering 2007 through 2019, with three-year survival rates compared between the start and end of that period. The study did not separate the contributions of screening and treatment, so the improvement cannot be assigned to one cause.
The players
Veterans Affairs (VA)
The federal health system that provides care to U.S. military veterans and conducted the lung cancer survival analysis.
Fox Chase Cancer Center
A Philadelphia-based cancer center known for its research and treatment of lung and other cancers, where oncologist Dr. Martin Edelman practices.
Dr. Martin Edelman
An oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center who commented on the survival gains and the role of screening.
The details
Low-dose CT scans are used to detect lung cancer in high-risk patients before symptoms appear, which can catch tumors when they are most treatable. Comprehensive biomarker testing also guides targeted treatment plans, matching therapies to the specific features of a patient's tumor. Early screening in high-risk, asymptomatic patients is associated with improved outcomes and cures.
Timeline
2007: The VA study period begins, when three-year survival stood at 24%.
2019: The study period ends, when three-year survival reached 51%.
November 5, 2026: The article reporting the findings was published.
Health Landscape
The 24%-to-51% rise in three-year survival tracks a long-term shift toward earlier detection and more targeted therapies in lung cancer care. It shows how screening guidelines and biomarker-guided treatment are changing outcomes for a population with elevated risk.
If you are a veteran or an adult with a significant smoking history or other lung cancer risk factors, it is worth discussing with your doctor whether low-dose CT screening is appropriate for you. Veterans with eligible exposures may also want to ask their care team about biomarker testing if a lung cancer diagnosis is made.
The takeaway
Survival gains among veterans reflect the value of catching lung cancer early and matching treatment to tumor biology. Eligible veterans and high-risk adults are encouraged to talk with a health care provider about whether low-dose CT screening fits their situation.
Further reading
For background on how screening and treatment have shaped outcomes, explore our Cancer coverage.
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Have you talked with a doctor about getting a low-dose lung CT scan?
