TRENDS OF LUNG-CANCER MORTALITY IN MEXICO

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most important public health problems i n the world; 1,035,000 annual deaths are estimated each year and more than 80% of these are attributed to tobacco. The trend of lung cancer mortality in Mexico City from 1979 - 1993 was determined, as was the r ate ratio of lung cancer mortality in 31 states in Mexico, taking Mexi co City as a reference by means of a Poisson model. A strong linear re gression model was used to evaluate the rate, where the dependent vari able was LC mortality rate and the independent variable the year obser ved. In 15 years, 73,807 deaths from LC were reported, with an increas e in mortality from 5.01 - 7.25 per 100,000 inhabitants. Mortality inc reases significantly after 60 years of age (beta not equal 0, p<.05) i n men and in women. Mortality from LC was 70% in men, and more than 60 % of deaths were reported after 65 years of age. Mortality risk is hig her in the northern states of the country (e.g., Sonora, RR=2.40) than in the southern region (e.g., Oaxaca RR=0.40). In Mexico, almost 10,0 00 deaths by LC are estimated for the year 2010. Therefore, changes in lifestyle should be encouraged in order to decrease the smoking habit . The governmental tax on cigarettes should be increased, smoking rest ricted in squares and public spaces, and the risks should be announced on cigarette packages, among other measures. With respect to other em ergent risk factors, the sources of industrial pollution and toxic emi ssions should be regulated.