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Lung Cancer Statistics
- 1 in 17 women and 1 in 15 men in the US will develop lung cancer in their lifetime.
- In 2025, an estimated 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the US.
- This year, an estimated 125,070 people will die from lung cancer. It is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women.
- Average age at diagnosis: 70
- 20,000 – 25,000 people in the US get lung cancer each year, despite never smoking.
- Those who quit smoking remain at risk.
Modifiable Risk Factors include:
- Smoking (Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, Marijuana) – The leading cause of lung cancer; accounts for 80–90% of cases. Smokers are 15–30 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers.
- Secondhand Smoke – Increases risk by 20–30% for non-smokers. Firefighters often suffer from lung cancer due to their profession.
- COPD or Pulmonary Fibrosis can increase risk.
- Radon Exposure – Second-leading cause of lung cancer; common in homes with poor ventilation.
- Occupational Hazards – Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and petroleum products.
- Air Pollution & Particle Pollution – Long-term exposure to polluted air increases risk.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors include:
- Age – risk increases significantly after age 65
- Family history
- Prior chest radiation
- Race/Ethnicity.
American Cancer Society Recommended Lung Cancer Screenings:
- Age 50–80 years old
- Currently smoke or formerly smoked, especially if you have a 20 pack or more/year smoking history
- Firefighters or those around large amounts of smoke on a regular basis
- Test: A low dose CT is recommended annually if you are between the ages of 50-80 and have a 20 pack/year smoking history or currently smoke. In 2023, the ACS removed the 15-year quit limit and now recommend an annual screening.
- Smoking cessation counseling recommended
This is part 3 of a series on specific Cancers that have preventive screenings. Stay tuned to find out more about each of the 6 cancers.
To View All Parts Click Here!
Written by: Kelly McCall, Manager Health Intelligence Analytics