title: Challenges of lung cancer management in a developing country.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The investigation of pulmonary neoplasm in Nigeria is hampered by lack of investigative tools and religio-cultural beliefs that detest autopsy. However, recent publications seem to suggest an increasing incidence of this lesion in Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 30-month prospective study of all cases of lung cancer seen at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria was done to document the incidence and challenges of management in the region.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty one new cases of primary carcinoma of the lung were identified during the study period. The age ranged from 30-81 years, mean 56.6 +/- 21.6 years and male:female ratio of 2.4:1. The age-standardized incidence rate was 7.9 per 100.000 with a peak in the 60-69 year age group. In 42% of the males there was cigarette smoking history. Adenocarcinoma of the lung was the predominant histologic subtype, and treatment was largely palliative.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of lung cancer in South East Nigeria is on the increase even in the absence of state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. The high prevalence of cigarette smoking amongst the males is a call for the intensification of the preventive measures against tobacco use.
authors: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. ndubueze.ezemba@unn.edu.ng
authors: Ndubueze
authors: N
authors: Ezemba
authors: Eyo E
authors: EE
authors: Ekpe
authors: John C
authors: JC
authors: Eze
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology