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Lung cancer. A statistical study based on autopsy data from 1928 to 1972
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Lung cancer incidence quadrupled from 1928 to 1962, then stabilized. Autopsy data reveal lung cancer predominantly affects the right lung and upper lobes, explained by the
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lung cancer incidence rates have varied significantly over time.
- Understanding the distribution of lung cancer within the lungs is crucial for etiological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in lung cancer frequency using autopsy data.
- To investigate the anatomical distribution of lung cancer and explore potential explanations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of autopsy records from 1928 to 1972.
- Statistical examination of lung cancer occurrence by lung side and lobe.
- Application of the 'contact hypothesis' to explain observed patterns.
Main Results:
- A fourfold increase in relative lung cancer frequency observed until approximately 1962, followed by a plateau.
- Carcinoma was more prevalent in the right lung than the left.
- Upper lobes showed a higher incidence of tumors compared to lower lobes, with this asymmetry less pronounced in females.
- Nonuniform tumor site distribution was potentially explained by the 'contact hypothesis'.
Conclusions:
- Lung cancer incidence demonstrated a significant increase followed by stabilization.
- Anatomical predilection for specific lung sites suggests localized etiological factors.
- The 'contact hypothesis' offers a plausible explanation for the observed distribution patterns of lung cancer.