Lung cancer statistics in Luxembourg from 1981 to 2008.

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world and in Luxembourg. As a part of "The health science initiative focused on personalized medicine", Luxembourg aims to participate by developing diagnostics to improve the detection and treatment of lung cancer. In line with this objective, this study made a review of evolution of lung cancer in Luxembourg from 1981 to 2008 and compared this statistics to the situation in the Nordic countries, Europe in general and the World. Incidence data of the national morphological tumour registry and mortality data of the service of statistics of the national ministry of health is depicted in charts with trend lines, in the framework of a statistical evaluation of relevant parameters. The data indicate that while male lung cancer incidence decreased in Luxembourg, the incidence in women and its mortality have doubled over the 28-year span considered. Notwithstanding this increase, the female lung cancer incidence and mortality remain low compared to the Nordic countries and Europe. Interestingly, the study also potentially suggests that the lung cancer pattern follows the smoking pattern in incidence and mortality.