[Bronchial cancer in Berlin, capital of the G.D.R. 2. communication. lung cancer detection between 1955 and 1973 (author's transl)].

In Berlin, capital of the G.D.R., more than 8,600 cases of bronchial cancer were observed in the period 1955 to 1969 and in 1973/4. Number of cases has increased from one 5-years period to the following period. Incidence of lung cancer in men increased especially in higher age groups whereas in female a rising incidence can be seen in all age groups. Duration of history is no good measure of health behaviour and of diagnostic quality. Distribution of clinical stages gives reliable information on the situation of detection. With rising age, the proportion of advanced stages increases. Stage distribution has not changed during the observation period and no measurable progress towards earlier detection of lung cancer has been achieved. In the same time, proportion of elderly lung cancer patients rose considerably and the chances of radical surgical treatment grew worse. Nevertheless the resection rate has increased. It seems that the quality of specialized surgical care has made some progress. Some conclusions can be drawn for cancer control: Prophylactic examinations are to be concentrated on high risk groups. Patients with suspicion of lung cancer shall be admitted to the specialist without delay. Development of nonsurgical methods of therapy for cancer of the lung is an important goal.