Lung Cancer Remains Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths, Stigma Hinders Early Diagnosis

Lung cancer continues to be the foremost cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Projections from the Belgian Cancer Registry anticipate a near‑20% rise in annual cases by 2035, driven largely by increasing incidence among women. In Portugal about 6,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, while Chile reports over 4,300 new cases annually and Brazil expects more than 35,000 new diagnoses between 2026‑2028. The Dominican Republic recorded an average of 121 new cases per day in 2024, underscoring the disease’s regional impact.

Tobacco use remains the dominant risk factor, accounting for 80‑90% of cases, though a growing share of patients are never‑smokers and are exposed to occupational chemicals, air pollution, radon and other carcinogens. Stigma attached to lung cancer, especially among smokers, leads many patients to delay seeking medical help, worsening outcomes and causing significant psychological distress. Studies in Portugal and Europe link stigma to shame, isolation, depression and reduced social support.

Health authorities stress the importance of early detection. Low‑dose CT screening for high‑risk groups and public awareness of persistent symptoms—such as chronic cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, weight loss and breathlessness—are recommended to improve survival rates.