Epidemiological study of lung cancer in the northern part of the province of Castellón

To estimate the incidence and survival of bronchopulmonary carcinoma in the northern part of the Spanish province of Castellón while collecting other epidemiologic data. This prospective, observational study enrolled all patients residing habitually in northern Castellón with diagnoses of bronchopulmonary carcinoma recorded from 1 January 1993 until 31 December 1997. Enrollment criteria were cytohistologic confirmation of diagnosis or suspicion based on clinical, radiologic and/or bronchoscopic data. One hundred eighteen patients (100 men, 18 women) were so diagnosed, giving a world population-adjusted incidence of 17.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (men: 31.2; women: 4.5). Smokers or ex-smokers accounted for 84.7% and 74.5% were over 60 years of age. Cytohistologic confirmation was obtained for 117 patients (99%). Epidermoid carcinoma predominated (58%) and surgery was performed in only 23% of the cases. Only one patient was lost to follow-up during the study period. Mean 5-year survival was 7.6%. The standardized incidence of bronchopulmonary carcinoma in 1993-1997 in the northern part of Castellón was 17.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (women: 31.2; women: 4.5), with epidermoid carcinoma predominating and a five-year survival rate of 7.6%.