Number of lung cancer cases in Italy 2010-2015, by gender

The number of lung cancer cases recorded in Italy significantly increased from 2010 to 2015, among both men and women. However, this disease was more common among males than females. The main risk factors increasing the chances of getting lung cancer are smoking and exposure to toxic substances, such as asbestos, radon and heavy metals.  

Lung cancer prevalence

In 2020, lung tumor was one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer among both males and females. As a matter of fact, lung cancer accounted for 14.1 percent of the diagnoses among men. In the same year, it was estimated that 27,554 men and 13,328 women were newly diagnosed with lung cancer.  

Deaths caused by lung cancer

In 2014, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers were among the main causes of death in Italy. The geographical distribution of deaths caused by these types of tumors in 2020, reveals that they were mainly prevalent among men living in the North-West of the country.