Epidemiology of lung cancer: A-mini review

Abstract

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with a distribution pattern dictated by economic development levels. This paper explores the diverse trends in lung cancer incidence and mortality across the world, with a specific focus on the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The rise and subsequent fall of lung cancer cases in developed nations like the U.S. and U.K. are linked to the prevalence of smoking, effective tobacco control programs, and the availability of healthcare services. However, developing countries continue to grapple with high smoking rates, environmental pollutants, and healthcare disparities, leading to a higher burden of death from lung cancer. The examination of racial and ethnic differences in the U.S. and regional differences in Europe further underscore the complex interplay of socio-cultural factors in lung cancer trends. In Asia, particularly in India and China, rising tobacco use has led to a surge in lung cancer cases. In South Africa, occupational hazards like asbestos exposure compound the issue. The need for robust tobacco control policies and accessible healthcare is crucial in mitigating the global lung cancer burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the disease burden is highest.