It is estimated that in 2005 there were 92,305 cases of lung cancers in men and 79,544 cases in women.

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

The incidence of lung cancer:

Males  > 70 per 100,000
Females > 22 per 100,000

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

Cancer Death 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.

Men

Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer deaths among males since 1955. However from 1955-1985 the incidence of lung cancer deaths among males has increased from 30 per 100,000 to greater than 70 per 100,000. In 2005 lung cancer accounted for 13% of all new cancers among males and 31% of all cancer deaths.

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.

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.