Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other
Around the world, more people die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer. In 2012 (the most recent year for which data are available) lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with 1.8 million cases worldwide, accounting for 13% of all cancer cases. [1] Smoking is by far the leading cause of the disease and smokers are 5 to 10 times more likely to get lung cancer.[2] About 70% of the world’s lung cancer burden can be attributed to smoking alone. In addition, second-hand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, has been proven to cause lung cancer in nonsmoking adults.[3] Lung cancer is also the most common cause of cancer death, totaling 1.6 million deaths in 2012 (19.4% of total cancer deaths)[4].
Key facts about lung cancer
- 40% of smokers who start smoking in their early teens and continue to smoke will not live to see retirement. [5]
- Every 30 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world dies of lung cancer. [6]
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men in 87 countries and in women in 26 countries.[7]
- Only 1 in every 10 people with lung cancer live for more that 5 years after the diagnosis.[8]
- Studies have shown that female smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer than male smokers. [9]
- At least 70% of the lung cancer burden can be attributed to smoking alone. In developed countries, this number may be as high as 85%.
- Lung cancer is the leading cancer site in males, comprising 17% of the total new cancer cases and 23% of the total cancer deaths.[10]
- The mortality burden for lung cancer among females in developing countries is as high as the burden for cervical cancer, with each accounting for 11% of the total female cancer deaths. [11]
- Smoking accounts for 80% of the worldwide lung cancer burden in males and at least 50% of the burden in females.[12]
Global trends in lung cancer rates follow global trends in tobacco use
Lung cancer is a global problem, affecting people in all parts of the world. But in recent years there have been some differences in incidence rates in various regions, and there has also been evidence of differing impact on men and women. In males, the highest lung cancer incidence rates are in Eastern and Southern Europe, North America, Micronesia and Polynesia, and Eastern Asia, while rates are low in sub-Saharan Africa. In females, the highest lung cancer incidence rates are found in North America, Northern Europe, Australia and New Zealand. However, lung cancer rates in women are declining in the U.S. and Australia.[13] The overall observed variations in lung cancer rates and trends across countries or between males and females within each country largely reflect differences in the stage and degree of the tobacco epidemic. The difference in male and female lung cancer trends, for example, exists mostly because females started smoking in large numbers several decades later than males.[14]
Male lung cancer death rates are decreasing in most Western countries, including many European countries, North America, and Australia, where the tobacco epidemic peaked in the mid 20th century and has since been declining. In contrast lung cancer rates are increasing in countries such as China and several other countries in Asia and Africa, where the epidemic has been established more recently and smoking prevalence is either stable or increasing. One third of all newly diagnosed cases in 2012 occurred in China.[15] As mentioned above, since the smoking trend for women began later than their male counterparts, lung cancer is increasing among the female populations of many countries[16], especially throughout Europe and South America.[17]
Solutions? Tobacco control interventions lead to lower lung cancer rates
Unlike many other cancers, rates of lung cancer incidence can be largely curtailed through using proven tobacco control interventions. These tactics include raising the price of tobacco products, increasing sales tax on these products, banning smoking in public places, restricting advertisement of tobacco products and treating tobacco dependence. For example, a 10% increase in cigarette prices has been shown to reduce cigarette consumption by 3% to 5%.[18]
FCTC: A global treaty that reaffirms the right to health
In 2003, the WHO established the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health, and outlines policies that work toward progress in tobacco control across the world. For more, visit the website: http://www.who.int/fctc/en/
World Conference on Tobacco of Health: 17-21 March in Abu Dhabi
The world’s largest gathering of tobacco control experts will gather in Abu Dhabi in March to discuss these and other health trends. The World Conference on Tobacco or Health will bring together tobacco control advocates, policy makers, researchers, public health and clinical experts; and lung cancer will be a key issue, especially since this year’s theme is “Tobacco and Non-Communicable Diseases.” The conference will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 17-21 March 2015. For more information or to register, visit http://www.wctoh.org/.