Lung Cancer Kills Millions – But Most Cases Can Be Stopped

By jun seo|ANW

Lyon, France – October 31, 2025
The World Health Organization’s cancer research agency (IARC) says lung cancer is the world’s top cancer killer. In 2022, nearly 2.5 million people got the disease and over 1.8 million died. That is more deaths than any other cancer.

IARC calls November “Lung Cancer Awareness Month.” Scientists there are working hard to find the causes, catch it early, and help patients live longer.

Big Money Lost

The agency says early deaths from lung cancer cost the world US$88 billion in 2022. That money is lost because people die too young to work and help society. Lung cancer causes the biggest loss of any cancer type.

Smoking Is the Main Cause

Tobacco smoking causes about 85% of all lung cancers. Other risks include:

• Breathing second-hand smoke
• Dirty outdoor air
• Smoke inside homes (from cooking or heating)
• Diesel engine exhaust
• Welding fumes
• Asbestos (old building material)

Good News: It Can Be Prevented

IARC says most lung cancer is preventable. Simple public health steps can save lives and money:

1. Help smokers quit
2. Ban smoking in public places
3. Clean up air pollution
4. Protect workers from dangerous fumes

What IARC Is Doing

• Studying why some people get lung cancer and others do not
• Finding better ways to spot it early with scans
• Learning how to help patients survive longer

Global Problem

Lung cancer hits every country. Rich nations and poor nations both suffer. But strong laws against tobacco and pollution make a big difference.

Call to Action

IARC wants governments, companies, and people to act now. “Every cigarette not smoked, every factory filter added, every clean stove in a home saves lives,” the agency says.

Quick Facts

• 2022 new cases: 2.48 million
• 2022 deaths: 1.81 million
• Top risk: Smoking (85%)
• Economic loss: $88 billion

For more, visit the IARC website or follow them on Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.