World Lung Cancer(WLC) Day is observed annually across the globe on 1st August to raise awareness about lung cancer, the most common and deadliest cancer globally, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection and treatment.
- It aims to support those affected by lung cancer, advocate for increased research funding, and encourage healthier lifestyle choices to reduce cancer.
Theme:
2025 Theme: “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness”.
Focus: The theme highlights the unity of individuals, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and communities in raising awareness, encouraging early detection, and ensuring fair access to care worldwide.
Exam Hints:
- Event: World Lung Cancer Day 2025
- Date of Observance: August 1 (annually)
- Symbol: Pearl or White-coloured ribbons
- Theme: “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness”.
- Established year: 2012
- Drafted by: Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) with International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)
Background:
Origin: WLC Day was first organised in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and American College of Chest Physicians
Aim: To raise awareness and to promote lung cancer prevention, early detection, and improved access to care for victims.
Symbol:
Ribbon: The pearl or white awareness ribbon serves as a symbol for lung cancer awareness, representing support for individuals affected by the disease.
Causes: This ribbon is particularly associated with lung cancer acquired through non-smoking-related causes, such as passive smoking and environmental factors.
About Lung Cancer :
Mortality: Lung cancer is the world’s deadliest cancer, causing more deaths than any other type (about 1.8 million annually).
Occurrence: It occurs due to the abnormal, uncontrollable cell growth in the lungs, posing a severe health threat.
Symptoms: It includes persistent cough, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Types: The types of Lung cancer include:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common type grows and spreads more slowly.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Less common but spreads more quickly (usually linked to smoking).
Causes:
- Primary Cause: Smoking tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes) is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, but it can also affect non-smokers.”
- Secondary cause: Exposure to secondhand smoke, occupational hazards (asbestos, radon, and certain chemicals), air pollution, Hereditary Cancer Syndromes (HCSs), and previous Chronic Lung Diseases (CLDs).”
Statistics:
According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 report by the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO):
Global Data: An estimated 2.48 million new lung cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide.
- Lung cancer accounted for approximately 12.4% of all new cancer cases and 18.7% of all cancer deaths globally.
- It remains the deadliest cancer, responsible for nearly 1 in 5 cancer-related deaths, with over 2 million new cases annually.
- Up to 25% of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers, often due to air pollution, secondhand smoke, radon exposure, and occupational toxins.
- Women are affected at nearly twice the rate of men. Breast and lung cancers are the most common causes among both genders.
- The number of lung cancer cases is expected to increase to 3 million by 2035.
Regional Spotlight: India is witnessing a rising threat of lung cancer linked to air pollution, especially in urban hotspots like Delhi, where even non-smokers face elevated risks due to smog, particulate matter, and industrial emissions .
IASLC’s World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) 2025:
The WCLC 2025 is scheduled to take place in Barcelona, Spain, in September 2025. This conference brings over 7000 delegates from around 171 countries, including clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates.
- It offers plenary keynotes, educational workshops, abstract presentations, and networking sessions across many thoracic oncology topics.
About International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC):
President- Dr. Paul Van Schil (Belgium)
Headquarters– Colorado, the United States of America(USA)
Established – 1974
