Current state of lung cancer in Canada

Lung cancer continues to have a major impact on people in Canada and the healthcare system. It is the leading cause of cancer-related death, carries high healthcare costs and disproportionately affects First Nations, Inuit, Métis and populations experiencing inequities. ^{(1, 4)}

A range of factors contribute to an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer, with smoking remaining the most significant risk factor. ^(5,6) Smoking is responsible for nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of lung cancer cases,^{(5, 7)} and as of 2024, 11 per cent of Canadians aged 18 and older currently smoke. ⁽⁸⁾

Lung cancer screening detects cancer earlier, improving patient outcomes and quality of life while supporting a more sustainable healthcare system. ^{(9, 10, 2)} Tracking participation and stage at diagnosis in screening helps measure program success, identify gaps in access, and ensures more people benefit from screening, smoking cessation support and high-quality care. ⁽¹¹⁾

What are the impacts of lung cancer?

Economic

• Direct health system cost of lung cancer (2024) projected to be $5.6 billion, approximately $190,000 over a patient’s lifetime. ⁽²⁾
• Societal costs, such as healthcare expenses, out-of-pocket costs, lost time, and other costs experienced by people with cancer and their caregivers, are $6.8 billion (2024), and projected to increase by 31 per cent, rising to $8.9 billion in 2034. ⁽²⁾

Health outcomes

• Survival differs dramatically by the stage at which a patient is diagnosed. Only 3 per cent of patients diagnosed at stage IV are alive five years after diagnosis, compared with more than 60 per cent of those diagnosed at stage I. ^{(12, 13)}
• About 70 per cent of lung cancers are diagnosed at stage III or IV. Lung cancer screening aims to diagnosis lung cancers at an earlier stage. ^{(12, 13)}

Equity

• Lower-income and rural or remote populations face higher smoking rates and a higher burden of lung cancer including increased incidence, later-stage diagnosis, lower access to curative treatment, and poorer survival outcomes.⁽¹⁴⁾
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are more likely to have lower incomes and live in rural or remote communities and are therefore even more likely to be disproportionately affected by these inequities.⁽¹⁴⁾ Lower income may affect the ability of individuals to access treatment, and care for those affected by lung cancer.

*Tobacco refers to commercial tobacco products, not traditional or sacred tobacco. Traditional or sacred tobacco is used by some First Nations or Métis communities in ceremonial or sacred rituals for healing and purifying.