Lung cancer is still one of the most prevalent cancers in the world, with more deaths each year than any other cancer. Lung cancer is responsible for almost one fifth of all cancer deaths worldwide. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 1.8 million cases in 2012 alone.

Along with members of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, the American College of Chest Physicians celebrates, supports and remembers those who have been affected by lung cancer. FIRS is part of the grassroots lung cancer community efforts to raise awareness and create a movement for early treatment.

Although lung cancer was rare in the early 20th century, it has steadily increased in incidence with the increase in smoking. It is now the most common form of cancer worldwide. Lung cancers account for 12.8% of all cancer cases worldwide and 17.8% death from the disease. Lung cancer can be prevented. Tobacco products, industrial products (uranium radiation, asbestos), air pollution, and nutritional deficiencies all play a part in the development of lung cancer. Studies have shown that lung cancer risk is increased by long-term exposure to carcinogenic substances.

In 1950s epidemiologic case-control studies proved that smoking strongly correlates with lung cancer. In 1962, the first evidence that smoking is a major cause of lung cancer was published. Lung cancer is 94% caused by smoking. Smokers are at greater risk than non-smokers for lung cancer, with a 24-36 percent higher chance. Passive smoking is at 3.5%. The risk of developing lung cancer is affected by the age at which you start smoking, how long you smoke, what type of tobacco you use, and how often.

The IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer is the largest international conference dedicated to lung cancer. Over 7,000 people from over 100 countries attend the conference to discuss the latest advances in thoracic cancer research. Participants include surgeons, radiologists, radiologists, pulmonologists and pathologists.

IASLC members must help spread the word about the dangers of lung cancer around the globe. Patients and their families need to know that the new diagnosis, research and treatment breakthroughs of the past 10 years have provided new hope. The IASLC has created a series fact sheets that focus on lung cancer in different parts of the world and translated them into many languages. These fact sheets can be consulted to inform your friends and family about potential risks and other factors.