Lifetime Probability of Lung Cancer
The National Cancer Institute estimates that, based on current rates, 7 percent (1 in 14) of people born today will be diagnosed with
lung cancer at some time in their lives. This estimate is based on cancer statistics for the years 2000 through 2002.
Because rates of lung cancer increase with age, estimates of risk at specific ages are more meaningful than estimates of lifetime risk.
Statistics on Lung Cancer's Prevalence
On January 1, 2003, in the United States there were approximately 354,989 men and women alive who had a history of lung cancer -- 173,431 men and 181,558 women. This includes any person alive who had been diagnosed with cancer of the lung, including people with active disease and those who are cured of their disease.
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