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Chapter One
Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Prevention
Martin Muers, Ian Hunt and Jesme Fox
OVERVIEW
* Lung cancer remains an important cause of cancer death
throughout the Western world, despite a recent decline.
* The epidemiology of lung cancer in the developing world is
likely to increase.
* Smoking remains the single most important cause.
* Other risk factors are recognised.
* Smoking cessation remains the most important step in reducing
lung cancer risk.
* Government-supported regulatory control of smoking is also
likely to be necessary.
Epidemiology shows that lung cancer is a serious disease, associated
with a significant health burden in the UK and in much of
the Western world. It is also likely to have a major impact in the
developing world, particularly in countries like China where smoking,
the number one risk factor for lung cancer, remains unaffected
by changes in legislation such as those seen in the USA and Europe
(Figure 1.1).
Epidemiological trends
The UK perspective
In the UK, lung cancer accounts for 6% of ... read full excerpt from ABC of Lung Cancer (ABC Series #79) ebook
