[Epidemiological study of lung cancer in the northern part of the province of Castellón].

Objectives: To estimate the incidence and survival of bronchopulmonary carcinoma in the northern part of the Spanish province of Castellón while collecting other epidemiologic data.

Patients And Methods: This prospective, observational study enrolled all patients residing habitually in northern Castellón with diagnoses of bronchopulmonary carcinoma recorded from 1 January 1993 until 31 December 1997. Enrollment criteria were cytohistologic confirmation of diagnosis or suspicion based on clinical, radiologic and/or bronchoscopic data.

Results: One hundred eighteen patients (100 men, 18 women) were so diagnosed, giving a world population-adjusted incidence of 17.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (men: 31.2; women: 4.5). Smokers or ex-smokers accounted for 84.7% and 74.5% were over 60 years of age. Cytohistologic confirmation was obtained for 117 patients (99%). Epidermoid carcinoma predominated (58%) and surgery was performed in only 23% of the cases. Only one patient was lost to follow-up during the study period. Mean 5-year survival was 7.6%.

Conclusions: The standardized incidence of bronchopulmonary carcinoma in 1993-1997 in the northern part of Castellón was 17.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (women: 31.2; women: 4.5), with epidermoid carcinoma predominating and a five-year survival rate of 7.6%.