[Trends in and distribution of lung cancer in Switzerland]

Recent trends in lung cancer mortality in Switzerland and the distribution of this cancer by districts, linguistic regions, and occupations are described. In 1985 7.5% of male deaths were due to the disease; female lung cancer is increasing (male-female ratio of deaths 1985: 5.9;in the age-class 35-44: 1.5). From 1970 to 1980, lung cancer became more frequent in the French-speaking area than in the rest of Switzerland. The geographic distribution shows a correlation with population density (chiefly in the over 65 age group) and there were high rates in agglomerations such as Basle and in some peripheral regions. The impact of smoking and occupational/environmental factors on the distribution of lung cancer by regions and occupations is discussed.