The American Cancer Society’s estimates for lung cancer in the US for 2023 are:

● About 238,340 new cases of lung cancer (117,550 in men and 120,790 in women)

● About 127,070 deaths from lung cancer (67,160 in men and 59,910 in women)

Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; a very small number of people diagnosed are younger than 45. The average age of people when diagnosed is about 70.

Overall, the chance that a man will develop lung cancer in his lifetime is about 1 in 16; for a woman, the risk is about 1 in 17. These numbers include both people who smoke and those who don't smoke. For people who smoke the risk is much higher, while for those who don't, the risk is lower.

Lung cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. There are, however, some signs to look for, including those listed below.

A new cough that is persistent or worsens, or a change in an existing chronic cough

A cough that produces blood

Pain in the chest, back or shoulders that worsens during coughing, laughing or deep breathing

Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly and occurs during everyday activities

Unexplained weight loss

Feeling tired or weak

Loss of appetite

Lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia that won't go away

Hoarseness or wheezing

Less common lung cancer symptoms

Swelling in the face or neck

Difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing

Changes in the appearance of fingers, called finger clubbing

Some poor people cannot pay for lung cancer