Lung cancer is—by far—the leading cause of all cancer deaths across the globe, with 1.8 million people dying from the disease each year. Part of the reason has to do with the fact that early symptoms mimic common respiratory illnesses, so people with lung cancer often aren’t diagnosed until their cancer has reached an advanced stage.
Also at play? The “typical” patient is no longer so typical. Smokers, in other words, aren’t the only people at risk. Anyone who has a family history of the disease or is exposed to secondhand smoke and air pollution is also vulnerable.
But advances in early detection and breakthrough treatments are helping improve lung cancer outcomes. For one, the American Cancer Society recently updated its screening guidelines, recommending that people between the ages of 50 and 80 who smoke or formerly smoked 20 or more packs a year get screened annually.
And when it comes to developing innovative treatments, Interventional Oncology at Johnson & Johnson is focused on integrating the company’s MedTech and Innovative Medicine expertise to deliver therapies directly into lung tumors via minimally invasive procedures.
For Lung Cancer Awareness Month, here’s a look at the prevalence, diagnosis and mortality rates of lung cancer worldwide—and how Johnson & Johnson is playing a role in improving the lives of patients.
