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. 1 Li X Cao X Guo M Xie M Liu X Trends and risk factors of mortality and disability adjusted life years for chronic respiratory diseases from 1990 to 2017: systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. BMJ. 2020; 368: m234 Crossref PubMed Scopus (99) Google Scholar Under the slogan “Lung Health for All”, World Lung Day on Sept 25 aims to highlight the global burden caused by lung disease, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the importance of early detection and the reduction of inequalities. World Lung Day is an initiative for lung health advocacy and action supported by almost 200 organisations, including the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. World Lung Day reminds us that respiratory diseases can, and should, be addressed more effectively. To this end, work is urgently needed to develop treatments and management strategies to alleviate symptoms and shape or halt disease progression, with a focus on primary prevention and early detection.