Lungaillvøkstur í Føroyum 1955-1972

Abstract

This paper gives a survey of the incidence of malignant neoplasma of lungs in the Faroes during the years 1955—1972. From death certificates, hospital papers and cancer registry 70 cases of lung cancer have been found. — 53 prime (162,1), 11 not stated as primary (163) and 6 tumours of pleura (162,2). Two cases of tumours mediastini (164). 69 of 72 have been hospitalized — of these 40 on special ward in Denmark. The diagnosis is histologically verified in 68,1 °/o of the total material. 39 of 53 (73,6%>) primary lung tumours are histologically verified — and two other cases are verified by operations and one by sputum
cytology — in all 79,2 %. Autopsy has been done in 16 cases (22,2 % ) . Although there are few cases they give an impression of an increasing incidence of primary lung cancer in men in the Faroes during the period. The incidence now is at the same level as in Norway about 15 years ago and in Denmark about 30 years ago (table 8). A possible explanation for this delay is that smoking of cigarettes become usual in the Faroes 20—30 years later than in neighbour countries.