Incidence

It is estimated that in 2005, carcinoma of the lung will account for 13% of all new cancers in males and 12% of all new cancers in females. 31% of all cancer deaths in males, and 27% of all cancer deaths in females are attributable to lung cancer. In 2005 167,786 deaths were due to lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among females and males. The increasing incidence of morbidity and mortality attributable to Lung Cancer.

Age

Seventy percent of all lung cancer deaths occur between the ages of 55 and 74. However, recent trends indicate that both the incidence and mortality of lung cancer is increasing in younger age groups.

Sex

It is approximately three times more common in men than females. However the incidence of lung cancer in females in increasing in epidemic proportions.

Lung Cancer in Women

The incidence of female lung cancer continues to increase and has surpassed breast cancer as a leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Currently, carcinoma of the lung accounts for 12% of all new cancers in women and 27% of all cancer deaths.

Lung Cancer in Men

Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer deaths among makes since 1955. In 2005 lung cancer accounted for 13% of all new cancers among makes and 31% of all cancer deaths.

High Incidence Countries

The countries with the highest incidence of lung cancer among males is the United Kingdom (90 per 100,000 males). The lowest incidence of lung cancer occurs in Asia and Africa. Rates for most of North America and Europe are between these two extremes. In general, the incidence of lung cancer in industrialized western countries is increased compared to third world countries. This difference is most likely attributable to increased cigarette smoking. However, other factors such as the presence of ceratin industries (chemical, petroleum and shipbuilding) and increased levels of air pollution may play a lesser role.

Geographical Areas in USA

The highest incidence of lung cancer in the United states, according to a 20 year review of mortality form all the cancers in the United States is in the northern urban areas and along the gulf and south Atlantic Coasts from Texas to Florida. Farming areas were found to have a lower incidence than other areas, including rural non-farm areas. IN addition, in those countries which had significant paper, chemical petroleum and shipbuilding industries, the rates for lung cancer appeared to be increased. The reasons for these tendencies is unclear and is still under investigation but may be related to asbestos exposure.