[Distribution pattern and risk factors of lung cancer in Qidong rural area]

Distribution pattern, epidemiologic trend and risk factors of lung cancer in rural area were studied and analysed based on the data of Qidong cancer registry (1972-1986), of sampling survey of cigarette smoking rate among rural residents, and of consumption of cigarette and fuel in Qidong. The results showed that: 1. Lung cancer mortality had increased from 9.00/10(5) in 1972 to 20.03/10(5) in 1986 with annual increase rate of 5.88%; 2. Lung cancer mortality in 1980s (1984-1986) was increased by 61.68% as compared with that in 1970s (1974-1976), in which the male incidence was increased by 79.99% and female, 25.73%; 3. Cigarette consumption in rural area increased rapidly, and the mean daily sale of cigarette per Qidong person in 1986 was four times as high as that in 1950, those trends will continue to influence lung cancer mortality of this area in the near future; and 4. The consumption of industrial and civilian fuel in Qidong rural area are also on the increase. However, the relationship between air pollution and lung cancer remains to be studied. In view of the above-mentioned facts, epidemiologic and etiologic research on lung cancer in rural area must be emphasized. An appeal for campaign on abstinence of smoking in rural area, especially for non-smoking education in the youth should be waged urgently.