Lung Cancer

Lung cancers usually start in the cells of the bronchi, the bronchioles, the alveoli or the supporting tissues of the lung.

• In 2008, an estimated 23,900 Canadians will be diagnosed with lung cancer and an estimated 20,200 Canadian will die from the disease. Lung cancer accounts for approximately 27% of all cancer deaths.

• 1 in 12 men and 1 in 16 women are expected to develop lung cancer during their lifetimes. 1 in 13 men and 1 in 18 women will die from the disease.

• In 2004, an estimated 18,200 men, and 20,200 women were living with or surviving from lung cancer in Canada. That means that 1 in 870 Canadian men and 1 in 799 Canadian women were diagnosed with lung cancer at some point during the previous 15 years.

• There are two main types of lung cancers in Canada. Approximately 13% are small cell lung cancers (SCLC); the remainder (over 85%) are non small cell lung cancers (NSCLC).

• The main types of NSCLC are squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma, accounting for approximately 22%, 29%, and 8% of all lung cancers respectively.

Risk Factors

Cigarette smoking is by far the most important risk factor for the development of lung cancer. The likelihood of developing lung cancer increases with the quantity of cigarettes consumed and the number of years as a smoker. People who live with, or work closely with, a smoker have an increased risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Other risk factors for developing lung cancer include:

• Working with asbestos, petroleum and similar materials.

• Exposure to radon gas.

• The risk from other workplace exposures and air pollutants are currently being studied.

• And, some people develop lung cancer without any of these risk factors.

• What can I do to reduce my risk of cancer?

• How should I eat to reduce my risk of cancer?

• Can being physically active lower my risk of cancer?

Managing Lung Cancer

• How is cancer treated?

• How can I cope with cancer?

• How can I help someone coping with cancer?

Facts & Figures

• Lung Cancer Facts and Figures

• Cancer Surveillance On-Line

• Chronic Disease Infobase

Knowledge Development and Exchange

• Cancer Publications

• Lung Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines

• Canadian Best Practices Portal

• Chronic Diseases in Canada (CDIC)

Initiatives, Strategies, Systems and Programs

The National Lung Health Framework is a “Made in Canada” action plan developed by and for a wide range of stakeholders working to improve lung health. Its coordinated approach to the prevention and management of respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, will have a significant positive impact on the state of lung health in Canada.

• National Lung Health Framework

Links

• Lung Cancer Links

(Source: Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/lung_cancer-cancer_poumon-eng.php)