[Lung cancer].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine our lung cancer patients, particularly their smoking habits and survival rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information was recorded prospectively on 219 patients seen in our hospital from 1987 to 1992. RESULTS: Average age was 65.5 years (39-85 years). 27% were female. 9% were 49 years or younger, 13 men and seven women. Only six patient (3%) were non-smokers, 77% were smokers and 20% ex-smokers. 52 patients (24%) had small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 167 (76%) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). All six non-smokers had adenocarcinoma (two bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma). 63% had advanced disease (stage IIIB and IV or small cell cancer, extensive disease). Only 22 patients (10%) were alive at five years: 19 patients with NSCLC who had got surgical treatment, one patient with NSCLC (stage IIIB) who had recieved radiotherapy, and two patients with SCLC, limited disease, treated with chemo- and radiotherapy. The surgically treated patients (23%) had a five-year survival of 50% (17/33) at stage I, 33% (2/6) at stage II, and none (0/7) at stage IIIA. INTERPRETATION: This poor outlook for patients with lung cancer and the fact that there are few non-smokers among them, tell us that the major emphasis must be on prevention.