The Voice
November Is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is lung cancer awareness month, and while lung cancer may not be top of mind for everyone, there are some reasons why it’s important to be well-informed about lung cancer.
It’s estimated that in 2025, 226,650 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer.1 This accounts for 11.1% of all cancer diagnoses this year.1 Although 10 or 11% may not sound like the highest percentage, the projected figures put lung cancer in third place for the number of cases diagnosed, behind only breast cancer and prostate cancer.1 It is also projected that 124,730 people will die of lung cancer this year, which makes up a projected 20% of all cancer deaths.1 Lung cancer continues to be the #1 cancer killer, as much as breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined. It’s notable that among the top five most prevalent types of cancer as listed by the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer has the highest number of estimated deaths. This may be because most lung cancers are symptom-free until they have already spread beyond the lungs.2 The average age of diagnosis may also be a contributing factor, as lung cancer or cancer in the bronchi is usually diagnosed between ages 65 and 74.1 The five-year relative survival rate for lung cancer currently is around 28%.1
The low survival rate among lung cancer patients is not a new development. Lung cancer has led cancer-related deaths among men since the start of the 1950’s, while it became the leading cause of cancer death among women in the late 1980’s, according to the American Lung Association.3 To this day, lung cancer is still more prevalent among men, with Black men being the most affected.1
However, lung cancer rates are rising alarmingly among women, particularly those who have never smoked. Studies indicate that approximately 20% of women diagnosed with lung cancer are lifetime non-smokers, a trend that is especially concerning in younger demographics. This rise is driven by a complex interplay of factors beyond tobacco, including environmental hazards like radon gas and air pollution, as well as genetic predispositions. Biological factors also play a significant role; researchers are investigating hormonal influences, specifically how estrogen may fuel tumor growth. Globally, non-smoking lung cancer is far more prevalent in women than men, with distinct variations in incidence rates across different ethnic groups, family history and biology.2
If you are concerned about lung cancer for yourself or for a loved one, common first symptoms include a cough that will not go away, coughing up blood, chest pain that gets worse with coughing, taking a deep breath or laughing, a hoarse voice and suddenly losing appetite or weight without trying. 2
For more information on lung cancer resources, the following may be useful to you:
How We Can Help You | Lung Cancer Research Foundation
Lung Cancer Right Care Center: Overview and More
Sources:
1. Lung and Bronchus Cancer — Cancer Stat Facts | National Cancer Institute
2. Lung Cancer Fact Sheet for Patients and Caregivers | American Cancer Society
3. Lung Cancer Trends Brief | American Lung Association