In recent years, lung cancer has consistently been the most common cancer in Hong Kong, with a significantly higher incidence rate in males.

	Lung cancer is the most common cancer and it ranks as the 1st leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Hong Kong*
	1 in 21 men and 1 in 33 women in Hong Kong are at risk of developing lung cancer*##
	There were 6,111 new cases of lung cancer in 2023*
	Over 50% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (Stage IV)*

*Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority 2025 (figures in 2023)

^#Lifetime risk for Hong Kong people before age 75

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is primarily categorized into two main types based on the size of the cancer cells:

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): The cancer cells are smaller in size. It is mostly caused by smoking. It grows and spreads at a faster rate.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The cancer cells are larger than those of SCLC. It accounts for about 80% of all lung cancer cases. Common types include:

  Adenocarcinoma: Caused by mutations in the mucus-secreting cells of the airway lining. It is more common in non-smokers and accounts for about 60% of all lung cancer cases.
  Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Mostly found in the lining of the airways and is usually caused by smoking.
  Large Cell Carcinoma: Compared to other types of lung cancer, the cancer cells are large and round.

Another type of lung cancer is Mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity. It is associated with exposure to asbestos and is relatively rare.