Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of cancer death in Hong Kong. Researchers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) conducted a study to investigate the distribution, risk factors and epidemiological trends of this lethal disease.

The results showed that the incidence and mortality of lung cancer were the highest in Eastern Asia, and were associated with the Human Development Index (HDI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and prevalence of smoking at a country level. 

There was an overall increasing trend in females but a decreasing trend in males in lung cancer incidence and mortality over the past decade. The researchers suggested tobacco-related measures and early cancer detection for high-risk populations should be implemented to control the rising numbers.