Epidemiology of lung cancer in Sardinia, Italy, from 1980 to 1996

Bronchial carcinoma is the most common cause of death among all malignant tumours. Despite a progressive increase, many Italian regions--ours included--do not have a Regional Cancer Registry.

To assess lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in Sardinia during the period 1980-1996.

Data were gathered by consulting hospital registers and the case notes of individual patients released from hospital with a diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma at all Sardinian medical centres between 1980 and 1996.

A total of 7734 patients with lung cancer were registered in Sardinia between 1980 and 1996. Data showed a steady increase in lung cancer incidence rates over the years (from 22.3/100000 in 1980 to 34.5 in 1996). The same increase was evident in mortality rates (from 25.7/100000 in 1980 to 42.9 in 1996). The increase in mortality rates was higher in women (+146%) than in men (+59.5%).

Results show a slow but steady increase in lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in Sardinia. The high number of smokers among lung cancer patients seems to indicate that anti-smoking campaigns need to be more effective in Sardinia.