Lung cancer. An update.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States in 1985. Early diagnosis and an aggressive surgical approach offer the best chance for a cure. Unfortunately, the majority of patients will be diagnosed after the disease has metastasized. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, despite recent advances, are still basically palliative modalities. The most efficacious approach to the control of lung cancer is an effective anti-smoking campaign.