gives rise to a propensity for exposure to cancer cells or their by-products, e.g. lung metastases. 3) The higher incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism caused by indirect paraneoplastic activation of the pathophysiological pathways of some cancers in common with lung disease, such as the state of hypercoagulability. 4) The unintended effect of a variety of cancer treatments, such as cytotoxics, radiation, targeted therapy and immunotherapy (e.g. a higher incidence of pulmonary infections, interstitial pulmonary diseases or lung infection). In this ERS Monograph, we have brought together renowned clinical and scientific experts to provide an exhaustive review of the bidirectional relationship between respiratory diseases and cancer in general (not just lung cancer). To this end, and given the vast quantity of literature in the area, the Monograph is divided into different thematic blocks, covering the most important pathophysiological mechanisms that are prevalent in both diseases [1–4], the assessment of the impact of each disease on the other in terms of risk factors and protective factors [5–7], diagnosis, treatment [8–10] and prognosis. Finally and importantly, this Monograph addresses patient-focused outcomes, such as the influence of cancer on the care and outcome of respiratory patients and vice versa. We hope that the valuable knowledge diligently compiled by our authors, to whom we are deeply grateful, will help generate a better understanding of the relationship between these two important diseases, from an epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic point of view. Such knowledge will undoubtedly give rise to a greater awareness of the possible development of lung diseases in people with cancer, and of the different types of cancer that are frequently seen in those with lung diseases. This will help optimise diagnosis and treatment: “scientia potentia est”, knowledge is power. The ultimate objective of this Monograph is, of course, to improve the health both of our communities and of those affected by these diseases – the patients we have the privilege of helping. References 1 Cubillos-Zapata C, Díaz-García E, García-Río F. Cancer immunosurveillance in respiratory diseases. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 1–14. 2 Pollock J, Hughes C, Chalmers JD. Respiratory infections and cancer. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 15–30. 3 O’Donnell C, King A, Ryan S. Continuous and intermittent hypoxia in cancer. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 31–47. 4 Lam DC-L, Nakanishi Y, Fukuchi Y. Future challenges and their impact on respiratory health and lung cancer. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 48–58. 5 Jiménez-Ruiz CA, Rabade-Castedo C, García-Rueda M, et al. Smoking, vaping, nicotine and the risk of cancer. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 59–70. 6 Ngo P, Sarich P, Feletto E, et al. Occupational exposure to respirable carcinogens and the risk of cancer. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 71–81. 7 Bettington C, Chan P, Pratt G. Exposure to thoracic radiation and the risk of cancer. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 82–90. 8 Matera MG, Rogliani P, Bianco A, et al. Biological and immunosuppressive therapies for lung disease: a potential reciprocal influence between their use and malignancy. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 265–280. 9 Lee H, Sin DD. Inhaled corticosteroids and lung cancer in COPD: evaluating their role in chemoprevention. In: Martínez-García MÁ, Gaga M, Fong KM, eds. Lung Diseases and Cancer (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2022 pp. 281–298. xii https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10022822