[Lung cancer mortality rate in the Upper Silesia 1985-1990]

Mortality rates in the years 1985-1990 in males and females with lung cancer in the Katowice province were analysed. Partial rates according to age groups and "raw" rates were calculated. Basing on these, standardized rates were assessed (related to administrative units: 45 cities and 48 districts). The regions with the highest and lowest risk of mortality due to lung cancer were identified using the isarytmic method and standardized rates. The regions with the highest risk are those with a mortality rate for males of 85 per 100,000 and 13 per 100,000 for females. A statistically significant difference was seen between some regions (p = 0.01). The cohort analysis predicts that in the immediate future, an increase of mortality rates in rat es due to lung cancer can be predicted. Also a very dynamic increase in mortality rates in females can be foreseen.