Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2025

Scientists at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) are leading research projects with the goals of better understanding the causes of lung cancer, improving early detection of this disease, and studying factors that affect the survival of patients with lung cancer.

IARC researchers recently estimated the global loss in societal contributions due to premature deaths from lung cancer to be US$ 88 billion in 2022; lung cancer is the leading cancer type contributing to lost productivity. Given that the global burden of lung cancer is enormous and that this cancer type is largely preventable, public health policies to reduce its incidence have huge tangible benefits for individuals and societies.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer type and the most common cause of cancer death in the world. The most recent IARC estimates indicate that in 2022 almost 2.5 million people were diagnosed with lung cancer and more than 1.8 million people died from the disease.

The most important risk factor for developing lung cancer is tobacco smoking, which is responsible for approximately 85% of all cases. Other common causes include exposure to contaminants such as second-hand tobacco smoke, outdoor and indoor air pollution, diesel engine exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos.

Read more about IARC research on lung cancer