Facts about lung cancer in Ireland
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting both men and women in Ireland.
- 2,740 Irish people every year will receive the devastating news of a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Just 24% of people will be alive 5 years after a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Ireland for females and it is the third most common for males.
- Lung Cancer is Ireland’s biggest cancer killer with 1900 deaths per annum.
- Cigarette smoking is responsible for most cases (85% to 90%) of lung cancer. Passive smoking and radon are also risk factors. Some 30% of heavy smokers develop lung cancer (when compared with only 1% of non-smokers). Genetic factors also influence susceptibility to the effects of smoking, and consequently, the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Less than 1% of all new cases occur before the age of 40.
- Most people who get lung cancer are over the age of 50.
- Every 18 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world dies of lung cancer.
All cancer statistics are sourced from the NCRI_AnnualStatReport_2024_FINAL_14
About lung cancer
What are the lungs?
The lungs are two organs found in your chest and form part of your respiratory system. This system is responsible for your breathing. The right lung is slightly bigger than the left and contains three areas called lobes. The left lung contains two lobes.
When you breathe in, air passes through your nose or mouth into your trachea (windpipe) and separates into two further tubes (bronchi). Each of these bronchi connects to a lung.
The bronchi divide even further into much smaller tubes called bronchioles. Air passes through these bronchioles and into tiny air sacs called alveoli. In the alveoli, oxygen is absorbed from inhaled air into your bloodstream and is sent around your body.
Oxygen is needed in every cell of your body for various activities. During these activities, the waste gas, carbon dioxide, is made. It passes back through the alveoli and leaves your body when you breathe out.
What is lung cancer?
When cancer develops in the lungs, the cells change and grow in an abnormal way. Many lung cancers begin in the wall of the bronchi. As the cancer grows it forms a collection of cells (tumour). This tumour can then cause a blockage and result in symptoms, for example, difficulty in breathing.
Lung Cancer: Awareness, Stigma, Inequality
The Marie Keating Foundation, in association with MSD Ireland, hosted an event "Lung Cancer: Awareness, Stigma, Inequality" to highlight new research commissioned by the two organisations which shows a significant knowledge gap amongst the general public when it comes to lung cancer. Read key findings from our 2017 research study by clicking here. We recommissioned this research in 2023 as part of our The Big Check Up campaign. You can read details HERE
