Geographical distribution of lung cancer in the USSR

During recent years medico-geographical studies on lung cancer in the USSR have been intensified. The results of these studies are reflected in works on the geographical distribution of lung cancer and on the influence of unfavourable natural-economic factors upon lung cancer incidence. The steady increase in lung cancer morbidity and mortality throughout the world is one of the urgent problems of today. Numerous studies have been carried out, and these have identified several aetiological factors which play a certain role in lung cancer development (smoking, occupational hazards, air pollution by industry and traffic). These studies have shown lung cancer to be one of the cancers most closely associated with environmental conditions. Lung cancer is considered to be a disease of the male population inhabiting highly industrialized cities and countries. However, lung cancer incidence has also been increasing recently in the female population of different countries. (V. Merabishvili, G. Tserkovny, 1981) Different levels of morbidity and mortality from lung cancer throughout the world make it necessary to undertake comprehensive studies on the complicated and ever-changing relations between the health status of the population and the effect of natural and economic factors.