Primary lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs begin to grow uncontrollably, with the possibility of spreading to other parts of the body. This condition affects older adults more often, but can occur at any age. People with a history of smoking commercial tobacco are at higher risk, making awareness and understanding crucial for everyone.

Listening to your body: signs and symptoms to watch for

Lung cancer, like many cancers, may take months or even years to cause noticeable symptoms. Be attentive and watch for the following signs:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the lymph nodes below the collarbone
• Persistent fatigue and loss of appetite
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent chest discomfort and pain
• Recurrent lung infection
• Changes to the voice (hoarseness)
• Unexpected weight loss

If you notice any of these changes, reach out to a medical professional promptly. Early action is a powerful tool.

Understanding the statistics: why it matters

Lung cancer

In 2024, an estimated 11,343 people in Quebec were diagnosed with lung cancer, with 6,100 deaths, representing a mortality rate of approximately 54%, as reported by the Registre Québécois du cancer.

Commercial tobacco and vaping

According to recent FNQLHSSC health data, 37.3% of the First Nations population currently smoke commercial tobacco — a significant improvement from 55.4% in 2008.

However, the smoking rate in First Nations communities remains three times higher than the overall rate in Quebec. Since tobacco use is responsible for over 85% of lung cancer cases, this means that First Nations individuals could be about three times more at risk of developing lung cancer.

Recent FNQLHSSC health data also shows a rise in vaping (e-cigarette use), particularly among youth and young adults aged 12 to 24. About 32.5% of young people in First Nations communities reported using e-cigarettes, compared to 22% of young adults aged 18 to 24 in the rest of Quebec.This trend is concerning, as studies have shown that vaping is closely linked to commercial tobacco use and can increase the likelihood of smoking initiation and addiction.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. Some of these can be controlled or changed, while others cannot.

Lifestyle-related factors (things we can control)	Biological factors
Commercial tobacco use: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.	Age: The risk of lung cancer increases with age, especially after 50.
Sedentary behaviour: Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to poor overall health.	Family history and genetics: A family history of lung cancer or certain genetic factors can raise your risk.
Unhealthy diet: Diets low in fruits and vegetables may increase cancer risk.	Personal history: Individuals who have had lung cancer before are at higher risk of developing it again.

Systemic factors

Limited access to care: Difficulty accessing screening services, or delays in care and follow-up, can increase risk and worsen outcomes.

Social determinants of health: Factors such as income, housing, education, stress and trauma can affect overall health and access to prevention or treatment.

Environmental factors

Second-hand smoke: Breathing in smoke from others’ tobacco use increases risk.

Radon exposure: This natural radioactive gas can accumulate in homes and buildings.

Outdoor air pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air can damage the lungs

Workplace chemicals: Exposure to substances like asbestos, diesel exhaust or other industrial chemicals can increase risk.

Radiation exposure: Repeated or high doses of radiation can also raise lung cancer risk.

What can I do to limit the risk of lung cancer?

Take charge of your wellness through healthy lifestyle choices:

• Avoid using commercial tobacco products and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Reduce your exposure to radon by having your home tested and treated by a professional, if needed.
• Avoid exposure to carcinogenic chemicals without protective equipment.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat a healthy diet with a lot of high-fibre foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
• Stay active by engaging in regular exercise, like walking.
• Get screening for lung cancer when you become eligible.

Screening: take charge of your health

Screening helps detect early signs of cancer before symptoms appear. In Quebec, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (CT) if you meet the following criteria:

• You are 55 to 74 years old.
• You are either an active smoker with a history of at least 20 years of smoking, or a former smoker who quit but smoked for at least 20 years.

If eligible, you should undergo screening once a year for three years, or as advised by your healthcare provider.

Understanding the risks and limitations of screening

 

While screening has many benefits, it also comes with some risks and limitations.

• False positives: The test may suggest you have cancer when you actually do not. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional tests.
• False negatives: Sometimes, the test may miss cancer that is actually present. This could delay diagnosis and allow the disease to progress without treatment.
• Overdiagnosis: Screening may find very small or slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm. Treating these can lead to unnecessary procedures and side effects.

Early detection and diagnosis

Early detection significantly improves treatment effectiveness and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Identifying and addressing cancer early allows for treatment or removal before it causes serious health problems.

If a screening test reveals abnormal cells or possible signs of lung cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease.

Treatment

Once lung cancer is confirmed through a biopsy, your medical team will work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan based on the cancer’s stage. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumour.
• Chemotherapy or radiation to destroy cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy to help the body’s immune system kill cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy to attack cancer cells by blocking specific molecules that help them grow.
• Clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of a new cancer treatment.

Possible side effects of each treatment option

• • Surgery
    • Cough
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Pain
    • Collapsed lung
    • Heart problems
    • Fatigue
    • Blood clots
    
    
  
  
  • Blood clots

• • Chemotherapy
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Fatigue
    • Hair loss
    • Loss of appetite
    
    
  
  
  
   
  • Loss of appetite

• • Radiation therapy
    • Fatigue
    • Cough and shortness of breath
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Loss of appetite
    • Heart problems if treatment is near the heart
    
    
  
  
  
   
  • Heart problems if treatment is near the heart

• • Immunotherapy
    • Flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills
    • Fatigue
    • Inflammation of the lungs and nearby organs
    • Muscle and joint pain
    
    
  
  
  • Muscle and joint pain

Understanding your choices puts you in control of your health. You are not alone on this path.

Identify your support network

Lean on:

• Community including family, friends and elders
• Local health workers
• Support groups
• Traditional healing practices, but talk to your healthcare team before using any traditional medicines

Other useful resources:

• Health centres and nursing stations
• Your physician if you have one
• Lung Cancer Screening Program
  • 1-844-656-4312
• Quebec Cancer Foundation
  • 1-800-363-0063
• Canadian Cancer Society
  • 1-888-939-3333
• I Quit Now
  • 1-866-527-7383
• Freedom from smoke: Scenarios for young minds (downloadable booklet)

Resources

https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/lung/what-is-lung-cancer
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/lung/signs-and-symptoms
https://cancerquebec.ca/en/information-about-cancer/the-cancer/statistics/
https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/communique/proportion-of-smokers-declines-as-vaping-rises
https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/communique/proportion-of-smokers-declines-as-vaping-rises
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9156560/
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/lung/risks
https://www.quebec.ca/en/sante/problemes-de-sante/cancer/cancer-poumon/information-lung-cancer
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/find-cancer-early/get-screened-for-lung-cancer/who-should-be-screened-for-lung-cancer#:~:text=Our%20recommendation,frail%20for%20lung%20cancer%20treatment.
https://www.depistagecancerdupoumon.com/en/
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/find-cancer-early/get-screened-for-lung-cancer/benefits-and-limitations-of-screening-for-lung-cancer
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/lung/treatment/surgery
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/lung/treatment/chemotherapy
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/lung/treatment/radiation-therapy
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/lung/treatment/immunotherapy