Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. It occurs when the number of harmful cells massively reproduce in the lungs. These cancerous cells grow into tumours, altering the workings of the lung. The leading cause of lung cancer is smoking, though it also can be developed in nonsmokers.
Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Fortunately, due to advances in these treatments, the deaths resulting from lung cancer have drastically reduced in recent years; however, lung cancer still ranks first among all cancer-related deaths in the world. The chances of survival improve with early detection.
Prevalence of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the most common cancer globally, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. It is the most common cancer in men and the 2nd most common cancer in women.
It primarily affects older individuals, with 65-and-over age groups accounting for the majority of the diagnoses. The main risk factor is still smoking; however, due to more smokers quitting the habit, new cases have been declining.
Lung cancer constitutes 18% of all cancer-related deaths in the world, and it was estimated that 1.8 million people died from lung cancer in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. For more statistics and analysis, you may refer to an overview provided by the WHO. [2]
Lung Cancer Survival Statistics
Survival rates vary significantly depending on the stage of cancer at diagnosis. According to Cancer Research U.K., approximately 45% of people diagnosed with lung cancer (all stages) survive for a year or more. The five-year survival rate reduces to about 20%, and only 10% survive for ten years or longer. [3]
In the U.S., SEER data shows that the five-year relative survival rate for localized non-small cell lung cancer is 65%, while it decreases to 9% in the case of a distant stage. Five-year survival rate for small cell lung cancer is, on the other hand, 30% for localized cancer and just 3% for cases when cancer has reached the distant stage. [4]
Lung Cancer Costs
The costs indeed vary in treating lung cancer, with the stage of the cancer, type of treatment, type of hospital and the country being the most influencing factors. For example, an American woman diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, whose various screenings and treatments – both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as palliative care – faced a total cost of around $140,000.
To learn more about these possible costs, refer to an article about lung cancer costs on the WebMD website. [5]
Where to Find More Lung Cancer Information
Those who want to know more about lung cancer will find the sources below quite helpful by providing them with more detailed and reliable information:
Specific Lung Cancer Websites:
American Lung Association
Provides a comprehensive overview of lung cancer, including research, reports, and other lung diseases. Offers in-depth educational materials and resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
LUNGevity Foundation
A non-profit organization focused on lung cancer research, advocacy, and patient support. Offers resources for patients and caregivers, including information on clinical trials, treatment options, and emotional well-being.
Other Resources
Mayo Clinic
Known for its authority over its content, Mayo Clinic encompasses a broad guide towards lung cancer, from causes and symptoms, involving various treatments. Find more in their article Lung Cancer. [6]
American Cancer Society (ACS)
ACS provides an overview of risk factors, survival rates, treatment options, and prevention of lung cancer. It is one good source for analyzing the scientific discussions on lung cancer. For more details, refer to their article What Is Lung Cancer? [7]
Cleveland Clinic
This source provides an in-depth yet understandable overview of lung cancer symptoms, types of the disease, its causes, and treatment options. The text is concise, easy to read, and explains complicated topics readily. See their article under the title Lung Cancer Overview. [9]
MedlinePlus
It has a well-organized summary of lung cancer, with links to other reliable resources for further information. Great for an overview. Check their article on Lung Cancer. [10]
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The NCI has an excellent, patient-focused version of cancer topics tailored for patients and their families. Refer to Lung Cancer—Patient Version. [11]
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Johns Hopkins offers a highly authoritative look into the various types of lung cancer. The content is informative and well-structured. Explore more in their article on Lung Cancer Types. [12]
The Bottom Line
Lung cancer is one of the most critical health issues faced globally. While survival rates manifest depending on the stage, fortunately, early detection and advanced treatments result in better survival rates. For deeper details and more information, please have a look at the sources listed above.
Reference
- “Lung Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Lung Cancer?” Www.cancer.org, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- World Health Organization. “Lung Cancer.” World Health Organization, 26 June 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lung-cancer.
- Cancer Research UK. “Survival | Lung Cancer | Cancer Research UK.” Cancerresearchuk.org, 2017, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/survival.
- American Cancer Society. “Lung Cancer Survival Rates | 5-Year Survival Rates for Lung Cancer.” Www.cancer.org, 2023, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html.
- Sreenivas, Shishira. “The Cost of Lung Cancer.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/lung-cancer-costs.
- Mayo Clinic. “Lung Cancer – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 22 Mar. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620.
- American Cancer Society. “What Is Lung Cancer?” Www.cancer.org, American Cancer Society, 12 Jan. 2023, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html.
- Nall, Rachel . “Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Early Diagnosis.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 4 Feb. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323701.
- Cleveland Clinic. “Lung Cancer | Cleveland Clinic.” Cleveland Clinic, 31 Oct. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4375-lung-cancer.
- MedlinePlus. “Lung Cancer.” Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, 2014, medlineplus.gov/lungcancer.html.
- National Cancer Institute. “Lung Cancer.” National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov, 2019, www.cancer.gov/types/lung.
- Lung Cancer Types. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lung-cancer/lung-cancer-types.
