LUNG CANCER
What is it
About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer ranks among the most prevalent and severe forms of cancer across men and women. According to the World Health Organization’s data for 2022, it continues to be the primary cause of death globally, claiming 1.81 million lives worldwide, including 375,569 in Europe and 7,156 in Greece.
In 2022, lung cancer came 1st in number of new diagnoses with 8,579 new cases across both sexes (aged 45-85+) in Greece and 2.5 million cases worldwide.
Source: Cancer Today
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a form of cancer which starts in the lungs, where cells undergo uncontrolled growth, forming malignant tumors. These cancerous cells have the potential to invade nearby tissues and organs and may spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process called metastasis.
There are two primary types of lung cancer:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): This is the most prevalent type, accounting for aalmost 85% of diagnoses. NSCLC includes various subtypes, namely adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Although less common, SCLC tends to grow and spread more rapidly than NSCLC. It is named after the small size of the round cells observed under a microscope. NSCLC is often linked with a history of smoking.
An overview of lung cancer
Lung cancer is the most frequent cancer and the number one cause of cancer mortality in Greece.
Lung cancer is the 3rd leading cause of mortality after cardiovascular and cerebral diseases in Greece.
Every year we count >8,500 new diagnoses and >7,100 fatalities.
76% of new cases are men and 24% women.
Greece ranks 2nd in Europe in new cases of lung cancer after Serbia and 3rd in number of fatalities after Hungary and Serbia.
Lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, bowel and prostate cancer TOGETHER.
In Greece, 1 person loses their life EVERY HOUR to lung cancer.
In 2040 it is estimated that 11,000 new diagnoses and over 9,500 fatalities from lung cancer will occur in Greece. (Global Lung Cancer Observatory)
The latest data – October 2023 – shows an increase in lung cancer in young women 35-54 years old.
If lung cancer is diagnosed early, 5-year survival can exceed 80%.
If lung cancer is diagnosed at more advanced stages, 5-year survival is usually no more than 25%.
