[Interpretation of global lung cancer statistics]

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Context:

• Lung cancer is a major global cause of cancer mortality.
• Tobacco use is the primary risk factor, with declining population exposure since the 1960s.
• Changes in exposure may have altered lung cancer's epidemiology.

Purpose:

• To describe global lung cancer incidence by age, gender, region, stage, and survival.
• To elucidate current worldwide epidemiological features.
• To provide a basis for lung cancer prevention and control strategies.

Summary:

• Incidence and mortality are higher in the elderly and in high Human Development Index (HDI) regions.
• Male lung cancer incidence is declining, while female incidence is increasing.
• Japan leads in early-stage diagnosis and survival; overall prognosis remains poor.

Impact:

• Reinforce tobacco control and address female-specific risk factors for primary prevention.
• Implement low-dose CT screening for high-risk groups (secondary prevention).
• Improve medical system reforms and standardized treatment for tertiary prevention.