Global Lung Cancer
Impact & Realities
2.2M
Approximately
new lung cancer cases are diagnosed ANNUALLY (WHO, 2024).
Leading cause of cancer death worldwide
Low rate of early detection
Despite the proven benefits of early detection, global lung cancer screening rates remain low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2024).
The proportion of people being diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked is increasing, with air pollution an “important factor”, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency has said.
Lung cancer in people who have never smoked cigarettes or tobacco is now estimated to be the fifth highest cause of cancer deaths worldwide, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Worldwide, 15–20% of men with lung cancer are non-smokers while over 50% of women with lung cancer are non-smokers.
However there are some significant geographic differences as lung cancer in non-smoking women in Asia comprises approximately 60–80% of the cases of lung cancer.
In a study performed in the United States, roughly 19 percent of women with lung cancer were non-smokers, and only 9 percent of men with lung cancer were non-smokers.
Even Non-smokers?!
Early Stage Survival
When detected at an early, localized stage, lung cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 60%, compared to significantly lower survival rates when diagnosed at later stages (American Lung Association, 2023).
Easier Treatment
Early-stage tumors are often treatable with surgery or targeted therapy, avoiding the need for more aggressive systemic treatments.
Survival Benefits of Early Detection
Reduced Mortality
Low-dose CT screening has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by approximately 20% in high-risk individuals (The Lancet Oncology, 2022).
Longer Life Span
Screening provides the opportunity for curative treatment, allowing individuals to live significantly longer, healthier lives after diagnosis.
Cited Sources
American Lung Association. (2023). State of Lung Cancer Report.
World Health Organization. (2024). Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) Data.
The Lancet Oncology. (2022). Impact of low-dose CT screening on lung cancer mortality.
American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI). Research on screening accessibility and awareness.