BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the epidemiological trends of lung cancer in Henan, China.

METHODSCancer mortality data were collected from 1974 to 1999. The mortality trends of lung cancer were studied. Secular trend on lung cancer form 1974 to 2010 with regression used for spatial analysis.

RESULTSThe data showed that lung cancer was the dominating cause of all cancer-related deaths in Henan. During the period of 1974 to 1999, marked changes took place in Henan in the mortality rate of lung cancer. Lung cancer mortality rates increased from 4.15 per 100 000 in the early seventies to 12.13 per 100 000 in the late nineties, lung cancer accounted for 5.09% of all cancer related deaths in the early seventies and 14.09% in the late nineties. In general, men had higher mortality rate than women, and urban area had higher mortality rates than rural area. The mortality rate for male and female would be about 25 per 100 000 and 15 per 100 000 respectively in 2010 if no intervention strategy was taken

CONCLUSIONSThe overall age-adjusted mortality rate of lung cancer in Henan has increased during the past two decades, strengthening education for health is very important in cancer control.