Lung cancer 

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the number of new cases is predicted to rise over the next two decades 

Lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer are the most common types of cancer in Canada (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer).

New therapeutic targets are providing cancer patients with improved outcomes and better quality of life. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. is committed to developing targeted therapies for solid tumours and haematological malignancies and our  oncology research focuses on three areas: angiogenesis inhibition, signal transduction inhibition and cell-cycle kinase inhibition.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer starts in the cells of the lung and can occur when these cells change and no longer grow or behave normally. These changes may lead to non-cancerous (benign) tumours, but in some cases, changes to lung cells can cause cancer. A cancerous (malignant) tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into and destroy nearby tissue. It can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. 

It is estimated that in 2017, more than 28,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. This represents 14% of all new cancer cases in that same year. In addition, 21,100 Canadians will die from lung cancer in 2017, representing 26% of all cancer deaths.

References available upon request.