Lung Cancer Mortality Rises in Chile and Spain

In Chile, more than 4,300 new lung‑cancer cases are diagnosed each year and about 3,600 people die from the disease, roughly ten deaths per day. Oncologist Dr. Damián Hannois of Clínica INDISA stresses that early detection is now the biggest challenge, noting that “the earlier we detect lung cancer, the greater the chance of curative treatment.” Tobacco use remains the primary risk factor, though 10‑20% of cases occur in never‑smokers, with additional risks from second‑hand smoke, radon, pollution and occupational exposures.

In Spain, provisional 2025 data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística show 23,479 deaths from bronchial and lung tumours, a 0.86% increase over the previous year, making lung cancer the leading cause of cancer death in the country. The Grupo Español de Cáncer de Pulmón (GECP) highlighted that 6,757 women died, slightly surpassing breast‑cancer mortality, while 16,722 men died. GECP members Dr. Carlos Aguado and Dr. Reyes Bernabé called for stronger prevention, diagnosis, research and access to innovative treatments, especially for women whose mortality is rising.