World Lung Cancer Day
World Lung Cancer Day aims to raise awareness about the disease and its risk factors while emphasizing the need for research, funding, and education.
Lung cancer is one of Canada’s most diagnosed cancers, affecting men and women equally. Approximately 30,000 Canadians each year, or 82 every day, receive a lung and bronchus cancer diagnosis, representing 13% of all cancer diagnoses.1
Although the rate of new cases in Canada has declined, it remains a significant health concern. Screening and early detection can dramatically improve survival rates.
The primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking tobacco, which accounts for more than 70% of cases in Canada.2 Despite never having smoked, individuals may still develop lung cancer through exposure to second-hand smoke, radon, asbestos, occupational chemicals, air pollution, radiation, and other contributing factors.
When lung cancer is found and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) recommends screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT once each year for three years in adults who:
- are 50–74 years of age (evidence shows that screening is most effective for people in this age group),
- are current smokers or former smokers who quit in the last 15 years, and
- have smoked 30 pack-years, which is defined as 1 pack per day for at least 30 years or 2 packs per day for 15 years.
The CTFPHC strongly recommends that any lung cancer screening program includes support to help people quit smoking. Smoking can make many cancer treatments less effective, and smokers have a higher risk of complications and death than non-smokers. 3 Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer and improve overall health.
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2 Risk factors for lung cancer (2020). Canadian Cancer Society
3 Finding lung cancer early (2020). Canadian Cancer Society