Lung cancer screening indicators

Key statistics on lung cancer

_{*Excluding non-melanoma skin cancers
Data source: Canadian Cancer Society, Lung and bronchus cancer statistics. 2026}

Data from 2000 to 2023 indicates that lung cancer rates are declining, with age-standardized rates decreasing by 27% between 2000 and 2023. Data for this report is from 2022, where incidence rates were calculated to be 144 cases per 100,000 people aged 50-74. Since the time of data collection, lung cancer screening programs have begun or expanded in many jurisdictions: as of 2026, seven jurisdictions have fully or partially implemented organized lung cancer screening programs, and an additional four jurisdictions are planning for implementation. Where available, lung cancer screening is offered to individuals who are asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer) and at highest risk for lung cancer.

Age-standardized incidence rates for lung cancer in Canada in the screen-eligible population (ages 50-74), 2000 to 2023

Rates exclude Nova Scotia.
Incidence rates are age-standardized to the 2021 Canadian standard population.
Data source: Canadian Cancer Registry, Statistics Canada.