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About Lung Cancer

Each year, more than 32,000¹ Canadians will be confronted with a diagnosis of lung cancer.

It’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate, affecting both smokers and non-smokers, men and women, young and old, across all walks of life. While tobacco use remains the overwhelming leading cause of lung cancer, anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.

Lung cancer occurs when cells of the tissue of the lungs grow out of control. As the cancer grows, it can form a tumor and interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs, including their ability to provide oxygen to the bloodstream. It can also break away from the original mass and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Lung cancer often has no symptoms until it has spread. This is because there are few specialized nerves, or pain receptors, in the lungs. When symptoms do occur, they vary depending on the type of lung cancer and location and size of the tumor. A series of tests are necessary to diagnose lung cancer. Further testing can identify the type and stage of cancer, which help determine treatment options.

There are several different types of lung cancer, each made up of different types of abnormal cells.

Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2023. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society; 2023.

In general, lung cancer is split into two main categories:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, making up 80-85% of all cases. It typically grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer (SCLC). There are different kinds of NSCLC, but the most commonly diagnosed are: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and large cell neuroendocrine tumors. Within these categories, some NSCLC have specific characteristics that show up in the genes with the cancer cells. The most common mutations of NSCLC are: Epidermal Growth Fact Receptor (EGFR), ALK-Positive, and ROS1-Positive.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a less common type of lung cancer, representing approximately 15 out of 100 cases. It is a fast-growing cancer that can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

Lung Cancer Types

There are a variety of other cancers that can affect the lungs, most of which are rare. Mesothelioma, Pancoast and carcinoid tumours are three of the more common types.

In This Section

Facts About Lung Cancer

Today, lung cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, and the most common cause of cancer deaths. It is estimated that 20,600 Canadians will die from lung cancer this year, more than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined.

Lung cancer isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s a journey. One that tests the limits of resilience, courage and hope. And one that shines a spotlight on the strength of the human spirit.

Early stages of lung cancer often do not produce any signs or symptoms.

Senior woman and granddaughter sitting at table

It is important to note that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, however, risk factors raise the chances of developing the disease.

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Lung cancer screening aims to detect people with lung cancer before any symptoms occur, before the disease has had a chance to spread and when treatments are more likely to be successful.

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Diagnosis is the process of identifying the disease that is causing someone’s symptoms.

The stage of lung cancer indicates how large the tumour is, its location within the lung, if it has invaded nearby tissues, and if it has spread to other parts of the body. Staging informs your treatment plan. It also provides valuable information about the likely progression and outcome of the disease (your prognosis).

Your treatment plan is unique to you, and the goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes for your particular type and stage of lung cancer.

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A clinical trial or study is a carefully controlled way to research the effectiveness and safety of new treatments.

Here are some helpful questions you can ask your health care team.