Facts about Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer

Facts about Lung Cancer

This year, more than 477,534  adults all over Europe will be diagnosed with lung cancer.

Lung cancer is literally the biggest cancer killer worldwide – causing more deaths than breast and prostate cancer put together all over the world. To sum it up every 18 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world dies of lung cancer.

The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least 5 years after the cancer is found. Presently it’s approximated at 24%.Not surprisingly, lung cancer has the lowest 5-year survival rate of the other most common cancers: only 24 %, versus prostate at 99 %; breast at 89 %; and colorectal at 65 %.

Facts about lung cancer in Ireland

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting both men and women in Ireland.

  • 2,690 Irish people every year will receive the devastating news of a lung cancer diagnosis.
  • Lung cancer is currently the biggest cancer killer in Ireland
  • Just 24% of people will be alive 5 years after a lung cancer diagnosis.
  • Lung cancer is the fourth most common in Ireland after prostate, breast and colorectal but is Ireland’s biggest cancer killer
  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both sexes, accounting for 19% of cancer deaths in women and 21% in men
  • Cigarette smoking is responsible for most cases (85% to 90%) of lung cancer. Passive smoking and radon are also risk factors. Some 30% of heavy smokers develop lung cancer (when compared with only 1% of non-smokers). Genetic factors also influence susceptibility to the effects of smoking, and consequently, the risk of developing lung cancer.
  • Less than 1% of all new cases occur before the age of 40.
  • Most people who get lung cancer are over the age of 50.
  • Every 18 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world dies of lung cancer.

 

All cancer statistics are sourced from the National Cancer Registry Ireland.

About lung cancer

What are the lungs?

The lungs are two organs found in your chest and form part of your respiratory system. This system is responsible for your breathing. The right lung is slightly bigger than the left and contains three areas called lobes. The left lung contains two lobes.

When you breathe in, air passes through your nose or mouth into your trachea (windpipe) and separates into two further tubes (bronchi). Each of these bronchi connects to a lung.

The bronchi divide even further into much smaller tubes called bronchioles. Air passes through these bronchioles and into tiny air sacs called alveoli. In the alveoli, oxygen is absorbed from inhaled air into your bloodstream and is sent around your body.

Oxygen is needed in every cell of your body for various activities. During these activities, the waste gas, carbon dioxide, is made. It passes back through the alveoli and leaves your body when you breathe out.

What is lung cancer?

When cancer develops in the lungs, the cells change and grow in an abnormal way. Many lung cancers begin in the wall of the bronchi. As the cancer grows it forms a collection of cells (tumour). This tumour can then cause a blockage and result in symptoms, for example, difficulty in breathing.

Lung Cancer: Awareness, Stigma, Inequality

The Marie Keating Foundation, in association with MSD Ireland, hosted an event "Lung Cancer: Awareness, Stigma, Inequality" to highlight new research commissioned by the two organisations which shows a significant knowledge gap amongst the general public when it comes to lung cancer. Read key findings from our 2017  research study by clicking here. We recommissioned this research in 2023 as part of our The Big Check Up campaign. You can read details HERE