Lung Cancer is the #4 killer of American men.

80-90% – Cigarette smoking causes about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if you smoke. (CDC)

80-90% – Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking all increase the risk of lung cancer. Tobacco smoking causes about 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer in men and about 8 out of 10 cases of lung cancer in women. (National Cancer Institute)

80% – Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. About 80% of lung cancer deaths are thought to result from smoking and this number is probably even higher for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It’s very rare for someone who has never smoked to have SCLC. (American Cancer Society)

80-90% – Smoking, a main cause of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, contributes to 80 percent and 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and men, respectively. Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Women are 13 times more likely, compared to never smokers. (American Lung Association)

80-90% – Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. About 80% of lung cancer deaths in women and 90% of lung cancer deaths in men are related to cigarette smoking. (Prevent Cancer Foundation)

 

Estimated 2022 Diagnoses and Deaths – MEN (ACS)?

117,910 estimated new cases, male (2022)

68,820 estimated deaths, male (2022)

The American Cancer Society projects the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected each year in order to estimate the contemporary cancer burden, because cancer incidence and mortality data lag 2 to 4 years behind the current year. In addition, the regularly updated Facts & Figures publications present the most current trends in cancer occurrence and survival, as well as information on symptoms, prevention, early detection and treatment. (ACS)

Additional sourcing for ACS’s estimates:

Cancer Facts & Figures 2022, Source of Statistics, Page 74

ACS Journals, Cancer Statistics, 2022: Link

 

Ways to reduce your Lung Cancer risk:

CDC:

1. Don’t smoke.
2. Avoid secondhand smoke.
3. Get your home tested for radon
4. Be careful at work. Health and safety guidelines in the workplace can help workers avoid carcinogens—things that can cause cancer.

(CDC)

ACS:

1. Stay away from tobacco
2. Avoid radon exposure
3. Avoid or limit exposure to cancer-causing agents
4. Eat a healthy diet

(American Cancer Society)

AICR: There is strong evidence that drinking water containing arsenic increases the risk of lung cancer. Water can become contaminated by arsenic from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. In the US, public drinking water systems test for arsenic and are required to keep it below a specific level. Countries particularly affected by arsenic in drinking water include Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Argentina, Chile and Mexico.

(American Institute for Cancer Research)

In current and former smokers, there is strong evidence that taking high-doses of beta-carotene supplements increases the risk of lung cancer. The evidence comes from studies of current and former smokers taking daily supplements containing 20 milligrams for beta-carotene; 25,000 IU/day for retinol. (American Institute for Cancer Research)

Exposure to asbestos, crystalline silica, radon and mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. (American Institute for Cancer Research

Pollution from wood and coal burning for cooking and heating increases the risk of lung cancer. (American Institute for Cancer Research)

Resources for Lung Cancer help:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Lung Cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/index.htm

National Cancer Institute (NCI): Lung Cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung

American Cancer Society (ACS): Lung Cancer: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer.html

American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR): Lung Cancer: https://www.aicr.org/research/the-continuous-update-project/lung-cancer/

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR): Lung Cancer: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/cancer/lung-cancer/

American Lung Association: Lung Cancer: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer

Answer Cancer Foundation (AnCan): https://ancan.org/

CanCare: https://www.cancare.org/