According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024, an estimated 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and 125,070 people will die from the disease. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. However, exposure to asbestos, radon, environmental factors and secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer as well. Genetic factors can also affect risk for lung cancer.
Learn how radiation therapy is used to treat lung cancer.