Key Sources
Canadian and B.C.-specific lung cancer statistics can be found in the 2023 Canadian Cancer Statistics and at the B.C. Cancer Statistics Online Dashboard.
Backgrounder: Lung Cancer in B.C.
The 2023 Canadian Cancer Statistics Dashboard report that the most commonly diagnosed cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and their share of cancer mortality rates in Canada are:
- Lung: 13% of cases, 24% of cancer deaths
- Breast: 12% of cases, 6% of cancer deaths
- Prostate: 11% cases, 7% of cancer deaths
- Colorectal: 10% of cases, 11% of cancer deaths
For 2023, the most commonly diagnosed cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) in British Columbia and the number of people who die from each cancer, are estimated to be:
- Breast cancer: 3950 diagnoses, 690 deaths
- Prostate cancer: 3900 diagnoses, 780 deaths
- Lung Cancer: 3650 diagnoses, 2450 deaths
- Colorectal cancer: 3000 diagnoses, 1130 deaths
A 2018 study found that lung cancer accounts for 26.1% of cancer deaths, but receives only 5% of cancer funding. In comparison, breast cancer accounts for 6.7% of deaths, and receives 22.5% of funding.
British Columbia was the first province to implement a lung cancer screening program, in May 2022. BC Cancer Foundation donors supported start up costs and equipment for this program.
The screening program targets those deemed at highest risk (over the age of 55 and with a significant tobacco smoking history). However, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, over one-quarter of lung cancer cases are not related to tobacco smoking.
In July 2023, UBC researchers received a large grant from the Terry Fox Foundation to study the role of air pollution in lung cancer.
In September 2023, the Canadian Cancer Society also funded a cross-Canada research team, including members from UBC, who are assessing non-smoking risk factors to improve screening for lung cancer.
In 2021, the BC Cancer Foundation announced a transformational donation of $15.3 million to advance lung cancer research and care, the largest known philanthropic investment specifically supporting lung cancer.