Global burden of lung cancer in 2022 and projections to 2050: Incidence and mortality estimates from GLOBOCAN

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer continues to pose a serious global public health challenge. Timely evidence on the global epidemiological profile of the disease is crucial to facilitate the implementation to lung cancer control efforts. This study provides updated global estimates for lung cancer incidence and mortality in 2022, along with projections for new cases and deaths up to 2050.

Methods: In the population-based study, we extracted data about lung cancer new cases and deaths from GLOBOCAN 2022 database across 185 countries or territories. We analyzed age-standardized rates by sex, country, region, and human development index (HDI). Projected new cases and deaths for 2050 were estimated using global demographic projections.

Results: In 2022, lung cancer stood as the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths on a global scale with approximately 2.48 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths, respectively. The incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer exhibited disparities in sex and world regions. Furthermore, incidence and mortality rates increasing as HDI increased. If the incidence and mortality rates remain stable as in 2022, the burden of lung cancer is projected to increase to 4·62 million new cases and 3·55 million deaths by 2050.

Conclusions: Lung cancer is the predominant form of cancer and the foremost contributor to cancer-related mortality in 2022 with notable geographical, sex, and socioeconomic disparities.

Keywords: Disparities; GLOBOCAN; Global health; Lung cancer burden; Timely evidence.