New report shows Utah has lowest number of new lung cancer diagnoses in the country
Nov 10, 2025, 9:30 PM | Updated: 9:32 pm
Utah has the lowest rate of new lung cancer cases in the country, according to a new report by the American Lung Association. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has the lowest rate of new lung cancer cases in the country, according to a new report by the American Lung Association.
The report shows that for every 100,000 Utahns, there are about 25 new cases of lung cancer, which is only half the national average.
Read more: More measles cases reported in northern Utah, but not to the point of worry, one official said
Stephanie Bever, assistant program manager with the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, said the report shows the direct connection between preventing tobacco use and reducing cancer.
“It really isn’t a coincidence. Looking at this report, it does really illustrate that direct and proven link between preventing and reducing tobacco use and saving lives from cancer.”
Bever attributes the state’s 6% smoking rate to the low number. She said efforts like Utah’s strong Indoor Clean Air Act and higher taxes on tobacco items keep people from smoking and encourage smokers to quit.
But while the state leads the nation, Bever said there is still more work to be done to keep Utahns healthy.
“The job really isn’t over. Even though we’ve been able to get to these low rates for lung cancer and smoking, the tobacco industry really is switching its tactics.”
Read more: A study questions melatonin use and heart health but don’t lose sleep over it
