[Prospective epidemiologic study for the determination of lung cancer risk groups (1975-19940]

Authors make known the comprehensive results of a longitudinal epidemiological examination which commenced in the 10th District of Budapest with nearly 100,000 inhabitants in 1975. The observation period is 15-20 years. Its aim was the determination of the risk factors of lung cancer. They followed up the lot of 30,561 persons, 92% of the population over 40 years of age 14,191 patients took part in a control examination supplemented with respiratory test. They analysed the connection between the supposed external risk factors and parenchyma functional damages caused by them and the development of lung cancer by detailed mathematical statistical arithmetic. 571 patients fell ill with lung cancer. The cured lung tuberculosis also proved to be a leading risk factor besides smoking. From the not endangered group 43, the highly super highly endangered groups 458 people fell ill with lung cancer. There was no difference between men and women in the lung cancer risk of the risk free population. According to their supposition the connection between the parenchyma functional damages caused by external risk factors and the development of lung cancer is determined by the different immunological status of people. (During the 20 years observation period 4% of heavy smokers and 3% of cured lung tuberculous patients fell ill with lung cancer). They urge the organization of wide ranging international prospective examination for the testing of this supposition.