An estimated 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnoses in 2024 while an estimated 125,070 individuals will lose their lives to lung cancer in the United States. In Nebraska, 1,190 new cases of lung and bronchus cancers will be diagnosed, and 700 Nebraskan will lose their battle to lung and bronchus cancer in 2024(1). Lung and bronchus cancers are particularly concerning for several reasons:

• High Mortality Rate: Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among cancers in both men and women. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), lung cancer accounts for nearly 22% of all cancer deaths in the United States (2).
• Late Diagnosis: Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because symptoms usually to not appear until at an advanced stage, prompting individuals to become concerned (3). This late detection results in lower survival rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that only 28.1% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at the localized stage (when the cancer has not spread outside the lungs). 44.8% of diagnoses occur at a distant state (when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body). 5-year survival rate overall is 28%, but the survival rate varies on stage of diagnosis. Those diagnosed with lung cancer at the localized stage have a 59.7% 5-year relative survival rate while those diagnosed at the distant stage have an 8.9% rate (4).
• Risk Factors From Smoking: The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking, which is responsible for 80 to 90% of cases. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights that smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer and that quitting smoking dramatically reduces the risk of developing the disease (5).
• Risk Factors From Environmental Health Sources: Environmental Hazards also increase risk lung cancer risks. Long term exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year (6). Individuals who smoke and are exposed to elevated radon levels greatly increase their risk of lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos causes increases in multiple cancer risks, including lung cancer. Those who smoke and are exposed to asbestos have a greater risk of developing cancer than the individuals risk added together (7).
• Economic Burden: The economic impact of lung cancer is substantial. According to the National Cancer Institute, the annual cost of lung cancer in the U.S. exceeds $20 billion (8).

Overall, lung cancer's severity stems from its high mortality rate, late diagnosis, association with smoking, significant impact on quality of life, and substantial economic costs.

For more information, please visit the following sources:

• American Cancer Society 
• American Lung Association
• American Cancer Society 
• Center for Disease Prevention and Control 
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Center for Disease Prevention and Control 
• National Cancer Institute 
• National Cancer Institute 

The Nebraska Radon Program works to provide education to residents on the risks associated with radon. The program regulated companies who offer radon testing and mitigation in homes with high levels of radon to ensure safe homes for Nebraskans. Radon exposure can increase lung cancer risks. 

The Nebraska Asbestos Program works to provide education to residents about the safe asbestos removal. The program also regulates companies who remove asbestos. Asbestos exposure can increase lung cancer risks.