Univariate Cox analysis identified several crucial variables, and the subsequent multivariate analysis confirmed that stage [hazard ratio (HR): 1.343, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.148–1.570, P < 0.001], T classification (HR: 1.185, 95% CI: 1.027–1.367, P = 0.020), residual tumor (HR: 1.138, 95% CI: 1.003–1.291, P = 0.045) and FHL2 expression (HR: 1.415, 95% CI: 1.160–1.726, P < 0.001) had independent prognostic value for OS of patients with lung cancer. The gene discussed is FHL2; the disease is lung carcinoma.