Lung Cancer: Statistics

What are statistics?

Some people use numbers called statistics to figure out their chances of getting cancer. Or they use them to try to figure out their chances of dying from cancer. Because no two people are alike, statistics can’t be used to predict what will happen to one person. The statistics below describe large groups of people. They do not take into account a person's own risk factors, such as family history, behaviors, or cancer screenings. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider.

What are the statistics for lung cancer?

Here are some statistics about lung cancer:

• About 234,030 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2018.

• The average age at the time of diagnosis of lung cancer is about 70.

• About 154,050 people will die of lung cancer during 2018.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.

• Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. About 8 in 10 lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.

Source: American Cancer Society