Lung Cancer – 1986

Abstract

In the United States, lung cancer is the most frequent site of cancer in men (22%) and tied for the third most common site (uterus) in women based on the 1986 estimated cancer incidence. It is the most frequent cause of cancer death in men (35%) and 1986 estimates suggest it is the most frequent cause of cancer death in women (19%), shghtly greater than breast cancer (18%). Although the cause of lung cancer is almost certainly muitifactorial, the most importante factor is clearly tobacco use. There is a very high frequency of this malignant tumour in smokers; in addition, there appears to be a passive effect with an increased incidence in the occupants of households exposed to smokers. Asbestos and other occupational materials may also play a part in this disease.