World Lung Cancer (WLC) Day is annually observed 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.
- This Day also aims to support those affected by lung cancer, advocate for increased research funding, and encourage healthier lifestyle choices to reduce cancer risk.
Symbol: Pearl or White-coloured ribbons promote Lung Cancer awareness.
Theme:
The 2024 theme of WLC Day is, ‘Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness.’
- The 2024 theme emphasises the significance of unity and cooperation in the battle against lung cancer.
Background:
World Lung Cancer Day was first organised in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and the American College of Chest Physicians.
Lung Cancer and its Types:
i.Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, posing a severe health threat.
ii.Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
iii.The types of Lung Cancer include:
- Non-Small Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC) is more common and grows slowly.
- Small Cell Carcinoma (SCLC) is less common but often overgrows.
iv.Smoking tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes) is the primary risk factor for lung cancer but it can also affect non-smokers.
v.Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, occupational hazards (asbestos, radon, and certain chemicals), air pollution, Hereditary Cancer Syndromes (HCSs), and previous Chronic Lung Diseases (CLDs).
Key Points:
i.According to IARC Global Cancer Observatory’s (GCO) global cancer statistics, GLOBOCAN 2022:
- Lung cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 2022.
- It was responsible for almost 2.5 million new cases, or 1 in 8 cancers worldwide (12.4% of all cancers globally).
- Lung cancer was also the leading cause of cancer death, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths (18.7%).
- Breast cancer and lung cancer were the most frequent cancers in women and men, respectively (both cases and deaths).
ii.The number of lung cancer deaths worldwide is expected to grow to 3 million by 2035.
IASLC’s World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) 2024:
IASLC’s annual World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the world’s largest international gathering of clinicians, researchers, nurses, scientists, and advocates in thoracic malignancies.
i.IASLC’s WCLC 2024 is scheduled to be held in San Diego, California, the United States of America (USA) from September 7 – 10, 2024.
ii.The Conference Secretariat (International Conference Services Ltd. (ICS)) is the official housing bureau for the IASLC 2024 WCLC.
iii.The Conference will bring together leaders in thoracic oncology worldwide and provide the ideal forum to discuss the latest findings in lung cancer and thoracic malignancies, and how they impact daily practice.
iv.The IASLC 2026 WCLC, will take place from September 12 – 15, 2026 in Seoul, South Korea.
- 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the IASLC.
About International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC):
The IASLC was founded in 1974.
President– Dr. Paul Van Schil (Belgium)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Dr. Karen Kelly (USA)
Headquarters– Denver, Colorado, the USA
