Posted on July 31, 2026
August 1 marks the 15th annual World Lung Cancer Day, a time to honor those we have lost, support people living with lung cancer, and accelerate action to prevent this devastating disease.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026:
- 229,410 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer.
- 124,990 people will die from the disease.
Lung cancer is expected to cause more deaths in the United States this year than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. Worldwide, lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for an estimated 2.6 million new cases and 1.86 million deaths in 2024.
Smoking remains the leading risk factor, but it is not the only cause of lung cancer. Asbestos, radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, diesel exhaust, silica, and other occupational and environmental exposures can also cause the disease. Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer.
The Connection Between Asbestos and Lung Cancer
All forms of asbestos are known human carcinogens. Exposure can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancers of the larynx and ovaries, as well as asbestosis and other serious respiratory diseases.
The precise number of asbestos-caused lung cancer deaths in the United States is difficult to determine because occupational and environmental exposure histories are frequently undocumented. However, recent Global Burden of Disease research confirms that lung cancer remains the largest asbestos-attributable cancer burden.
Asbestos exposure and smoking together create an especially dangerous risk. Research shows that the combined risk of developing lung cancer is greater than the risk from either asbestos exposure or smoking alone. Quitting smoking can reduce lung cancer risk, including among people previously exposed to asbestos.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a 2024 rule prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the prohibitions are being implemented through phased transition periods. The rule does not constitute a comprehensive ban on every asbestos fiber, condition of use, or legacy asbestos-containing material. Asbestos remains in millions of older homes, schools, workplaces, and public buildings.
What Is the Difference Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer?
Although both diseases can develop after asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is not lung cancer.
Lung cancer begins inside the lungs. Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, the thin protective tissue surrounding certain internal organs. The principal forms are pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular mesothelioma.
Both diseases remain serious, but advances in screening and treatment are improving outcomes. In 2026, the American Cancer Society reports an overall five-year relative survival rate of 28 percent for lung cancer. When lung cancer is diagnosed while still localized, the rate rises to 65 percent. For pleural mesothelioma, the five-year relative survival rate is 15 percent across all stages and 23 percent for localized disease.
These figures serve as a stark reminder why prevention, early detection, research, and access to specialized care are so important.
Three Things to Know About Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer
- Know your risk and recognize possible warning signs.
A persistent or worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, hoarseness, or recurring lung infections should be discussed with a healthcare professional. - Prevent asbestos exposure at home and work.
Never cut, sand, drill, scrape, or otherwise disturb a material that may contain asbestos. Hire a trained and licensed asbestos professional to inspect and, when necessary, safely manage or remove the material before renovating or demolishing an older building. Asbestos removal requires appropriate training and protective equipment. - Talk with your physician about lung cancer screening.
Current federal recommendations call for annual screening with low-dose computed tomography for adults ages 50 through 80 who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. Asbestos exposure alone is not currently included as an independent eligibility criterion. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, discuss your complete occupational, environmental, and smoking history with your physician to determine the most appropriate medical follow-up.
On World Lung Cancer Day, ADAO remembers everyone affected by lung cancer and renews our commitment to preventing asbestos exposure, expanding education, strengthening public-health protections, and advancing a comprehensive asbestos ban.
Join us on August 1 to raise awareness and inspire action to prevent asbestos-caused lung cancer. Follow #WorldLungCancerDay and #LCSM to participate in the global conversation.
Together, change is possible.
Prevention remains the cure.