Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases in the United States. The incidence of lung cancer has peaked and declined in several regions but remains high in other parts of the world, particularly China, where smoking prevalence is still high. Accurate staging using computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) is crucial for determining appropriate therapy. Surgical resection is the most successful treatment for early-stage NSCLC, while chemotherapy is beneficial for metastatic disease. The introduction of anti-angiogenesis agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors has improved outcomes for selected patient groups. Risk factors include cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke, diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, air pollution, occupational exposure, and genetic factors. Prognostic indicators include tumor cell grade, smoking cessation, dietary supplements, and molecular markers. Long-term survivors face a high risk of recurrence and developing new cancers.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases in the United States. The incidence of lung cancer has peaked and declined in several regions but remains high in other parts of the world, particularly China, where smoking prevalence is still high. Accurate staging using computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) is crucial for determining appropriate therapy. Surgical resection is the most successful treatment for early-stage NSCLC, while chemotherapy is beneficial for metastatic disease. The introduction of anti-angiogenesis agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors has improved outcomes for selected patient groups. Risk factors include cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke, diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, air pollution, occupational exposure, and genetic factors. Prognostic indicators include tumor cell grade, smoking cessation, dietary supplements, and molecular markers. Long-term survivors face a high risk of recurrence and developing new cancers.