Tackling the global burden of lung disease through prevention and early diagnosis

Three of the top six causes of death worldwide are lung diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower respiratory tract infections, and lung cancer. 

As well as killing 7·6 million people every year, lung disease also causes distressing symptoms and disability for many more. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 identified that a country’s sociodemographic index was a key factor affecting mortality and loss of health from respiratory diseases.