Lung Cancer Statistics

How common is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer deaths in both men and women throughout the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that 173,770 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S. will be diagnosed and 160,440 deaths due to lung cancer will occur in 2004.

Lung cancer was not common prior to the 1930s but increased dramatically over the following decades as tobacco smoking increased. In many developing countries, the incidence of lung cancer is beginning to fall following public education about the dangers of cigarette smoking and effective smoking cessation programs. Nevertheless, lung cancer remains the most common form of cancer in men worldwide and the fifth most common form of cancer in women.

Lung cancer has also surpassed breast cancer in causing the most cancer-related deaths in women in the United States.