Lung Cancer
About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death. Asia accounts for nearly two-thirds of new lung cancer cases and deaths globally.
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Although smoking is the leading risk factor, lung cancer can also develop in people who have never smoked. Understanding the warning signs, reducing exposure to known risk factors, and seeking appropriate medical advice can help support earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.
Lung Cancer: Key Facts
According to 2024 estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC):
1.73 Million
Approximately 1.73 million new lung cancer cases occurred in Asia.
65.6%
Asia accounted for approximately 65.6% of new lung cancer cases worldwide.
2.64 Million
An estimated 2.64 million new lung cancer cases occurred worldwide.
1.86 Million
Approximately 1.86 million people worldwide died from lung cancer.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms often develop as the disease progresses, although some people experience warning signs earlier.
Common warning signs include:
A persistent or worsening cough
A cough that does not go away or becomes worse over time.
Coughing up blood
Including blood or rust-colored sputum (phlegm).
Chest pain
Especially pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
Shortness of breath or wheezing
New or worsening breathing difficulties.
Repeated respiratory infections
Such as bronchitis or pneumonia that do not go away or keep returning.
Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Losing weight without trying or experiencing a noticeable decrease in appetite.
Persistent tiredness or weakness
Unusual fatigue that does not improve with rest.
Hoarseness
A persistent change in the voice.
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than lung cancer. However, if you experience persistent or unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
Not all lung cancers can be prevented, but reducing exposure to known risk factors can help lower your risk.
Avoid smoke or quit smoking
Smoking is the leading preventable risk factor for lung cancer. Quitting smoking reduces your risk over time, regardless of how long you have smoked.
Avoid secondhand smoke
Exposure to tobacco smoke from others increases lung cancer risk. Maintaining smoke-free homes and workplaces can help reduce exposure.
Reduce exposure to harmful substances
Certain workplace substances, including asbestos, arsenic, silica and diesel exhaust, are associated with increased lung cancer risk. Follow appropriate workplace safety measures to limit exposure.
Be aware of radon exposure
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk with prolonged exposure. Testing and mitigation may be appropriate in areas or buildings where elevated radon levels are a concern.
Reduce exposure to air pollution
Outdoor and household air pollution can contribute to lung cancer risk. Reducing exposure where possible may help protect lung health.
Understanding Your Personal Risk
Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, but the disease can also develop in people who have never smoked. In addition to environmental and lifestyle factors, certain personal and medical characteristics may increase your risk. These include:
- Age: Lung cancer risk generally increases with age.
- Personal or family history: People who have previously had lung cancer or have close relatives with the disease may face an increased risk.
- Previous radiation therapy: Radiation treatment to the chest for other cancers may increase the risk of developing lung cancer later in life.
- Certain chronic lung diseases: Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
- Genetic susceptibility: Inherited genetic factors may influence an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop lung cancer. Likewise, lung cancer can occur in people without known major risk factors.
Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening aims to detect cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment may be more effective.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is a screening method that has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality in certain high-risk populations. However, screening recommendations vary by country and individual risk.
People at Average Risk
Routine LDCT screening is generally not recommended for people at average risk who have no symptoms. Screening decisions should be based on individual risk factors and applicable local medical guidelines.
People at Higher Risk
People with a substantial smoking history may benefit from LDCT screening. Other risk factors, including family history of lung cancer, may also be considered in screening recommendations in some Asian countries.
The potential benefits and harms of screening, including false-positive results, unnecessary follow-up procedures and radiation exposure, should be discussed with a healthcare professional before making a decision.
Screening is intended for people without symptoms. If you experience a persistent cough, cough up blood, or notice other concerning symptoms, seek medical evaluation rather than waiting for a screening appointment.
How Is Research Improving Lung Cancer Care?
Research into the genetic and molecular characteristics of lung cancer has contributed to the development of targeted therapies for patients whose tumors carry specific mutations.
One important area of study is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. EGFR mutations are more common among Asian patients with non-small cell lung cancer than among patients of European ancestry, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma. Identifying these mutations through molecular testing can help doctors determine whether EGFR-targeted therapies may be suitable for individual patients.
Researchers are also investigating why some lung cancers develop resistance to existing treatments and exploring ways to improve treatment effectiveness.
At the Asian Fund for Cancer Research Limited (AFCR), we support innovative cancer research and help promising scientific discoveries move toward clinical development, with the goal of bringing better treatment options closer to patients.
Related Articles
Sources
- https://gco.iarc.who.int/today/en
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lung-cancer
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37390982/
- https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.70024
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40963259/