Lung cancer world statistics
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Global Lung Cancer Statistics
Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates
Lung cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges, being the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 2018, lung cancer accounted for 11.6% of all new cancer cases and 18.4% of all cancer deaths globally. This trend is consistent with earlier data from 2002, where lung cancer was also the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death.
Geographic Variability in Lung Cancer
The incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer vary significantly across different regions and countries. In 2012, the highest incidence rates were observed in countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI), while the lowest rates were in countries with a low HDI. This disparity is largely attributed to differences in smoking prevalence and other lifestyle factors. For instance, in economically developed countries, lung cancer incidence rates among males are generally declining, while rates among females are increasing .
Trends Over Time
The global burden of lung cancer has been increasing due to the aging and growth of the world population, alongside the rising adoption of cancer-causing behaviors such as smoking, particularly in developing countries. However, there have been notable improvements in lung cancer survival rates, especially for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For example, the 2-year relative survival rate for NSCLC increased from 34% for those diagnosed between 2009 and 2010 to 42% for those diagnosed between 2015 and 2016.
Future Projections
Projections indicate that the incidence of lung cancer will continue to rise, particularly among females. By 2035, the age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) for lung cancer among females are expected to increase in most countries, while the rates among males are predicted to decline. The number of new lung cancer cases in 40 studied countries is projected to increase by 65.32%, from 1.31 million in 2010 to 2.17 million in 2035, with China expected to have the largest number of new cases.
Impact of Smoking and Other Risk Factors
Smoking remains the primary risk factor for lung cancer, with a well-established causal relationship. The decline in lung cancer incidence among males in developed countries is largely attributed to successful tobacco control measures. However, in less developed countries, the increasing rates of lung cancer are driven by the continued high prevalence of smoking and other risk factors.
Conclusion
Lung cancer continues to be a major global health issue, with significant geographic variability in incidence and mortality rates. While there have been improvements in survival rates and declines in incidence among males in developed countries, the overall burden of lung cancer is expected to rise, particularly among females and in developing regions. Effective tobacco control and targeted prevention strategies are essential to mitigate the future burden of lung cancer worldwide.
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