Incidence of lung cancer worldwide
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Incidence of Lung Cancer Worldwide
Global Lung Cancer Incidence Rates
Lung cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers globally. In 2018, lung cancer accounted for 11.6% of all new cancer cases, making it the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide . By 2020, lung cancer was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, with an estimated 2.2 million new cases, representing 11.4% of the total cancer cases . The incidence rates of lung cancer vary significantly across different regions and countries, influenced by factors such as smoking prevalence, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions 46.
Geographic Variability in Lung Cancer Incidence
The incidence of lung cancer shows substantial geographic variability. In countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI), the incidence rates are generally higher compared to those with a low HDI. For instance, in 2012, the incidence rates were 42.2 per 100,000 for males and 21.8 per 100,000 for females in high HDI countries, compared to 7.9 and 3.1 per 100,000, respectively, in low HDI countries . In Asia, particularly in China (Hong Kong), the age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) were among the highest, with 53.3 per 100,000 in males and 21.9 per 100,000 in females during 2003-2007 .
Trends in Lung Cancer Incidence
Declining Trends in Males
In many developed countries, the incidence rates of lung cancer among males have been declining. This trend is attributed to the success of tobacco control measures implemented over the past few decades. For example, between 1973 and 2007, the ASRs of lung cancer among males declined in 13 out of 18 selected populations in the Americas, Oceania, and Europe, with annual percentage changes (AAPC) ranging from -0.7% to -2.9% . Similarly, in countries with a very high HDI, the incidence rates among males decreased gradually, with annual declines ranging from -0.3% in Spain to -2.5% in the United States .
Increasing Trends in Females
Conversely, the incidence rates of lung cancer among females have been increasing in many regions. This increase is particularly notable in countries with high HDI, where the rates have been rising steadily. For instance, in Spain, the incidence rates among females increased by 6.1% annually in recent years . The ASRs among females are projected to continue increasing dramatically in most countries by 2035, with peaks expected after the 2020s in many European, Eastern Asian, and Oceanian countries .
Future Projections
The global burden of lung cancer is expected to continue rising. By 2035, the number of new lung cancer cases in 40 studied countries is predicted to increase by 65.32%, from 1.31 million in 2010 to 2.17 million . The highest ASRs are projected to occur among males in Belarus (49.3 per 100,000) and among females in Denmark (36.8 per 100,000) . This ongoing increase underscores the need for enhanced lung cancer control measures and resource allocation to manage the future burden effectively.
Conclusion
Lung cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with varying incidence rates across different regions and demographic groups. While the incidence rates among males are declining in many developed countries due to effective tobacco control measures, the rates among females are on the rise. Future projections indicate a substantial increase in the global burden of lung cancer, highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and improved control measures to mitigate this trend.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Projections of Lung Cancer Incidence by 2035 in 40 Countries Worldwide: Population-Based Study
Lung cancer incidence is expected to continue increasing globally through 2035, highlighting the need for resource redistribution and improved control measures to reduce the global burden.
International trends in lung cancer incidence from 1973 to 2007
Lung cancer incidence rates declined among males from 1973 to 2007, while females experienced an increase from 1973 to 2007, with declining trends mainly attributed to tobacco control.
The International Epidemiology of Lung Cancer: Latest Trends, Disparities, and Tumor Characteristics
Lung cancer remains a major health issue, with high incidence in countries with high Human Development Index, and preventive strategies, particularly tobacco control, are crucial for reducing the global burden.
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Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries
The global cancer burden in 2020 was 19.3 million new cases and 10.0 million deaths, with female breast cancer surpassing lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer.
The International Epidemiology of Lung Cancer: Geographical Distribution and Secular Trends
Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates vary globally, with smoking being the primary cause, but global tobacco reform is crucial to reduce the international burden of lung cancer.
Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: Sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012
GLOBOCAN 2012 estimates show that lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are the most common diagnosed and fatal cancers worldwide, with lung cancer being the most common cause of death.
Estimates of worldwide burden of cancer in 2008: GLOBOCAN 2008
Cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest in less developed regions, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers being the most common diagnoses and deaths.
Global patterns and trends in lung cancer incidence: a population-based study.
Lung cancer incidence rates vary globally, with high-risk populations identified for primary prevention and etiologic studies needed to understand cohort-specific risk increases in certain countries.
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