Resectability of lung cancer and survival in the New York Lung Cancer Detection program

Of the 10,040 men who are enrolled in the New York Early Lung Cancer Detection program, 206 have now developed carcinoma of the lung, and 107 (52%) have been treated by complete resection. One hundred forty-seven lung cancers (71%) were detected and diagnosed by the screening examination; 59 were interval cases diagnosed because of symptoms or on x-rays taken elsewhere. Of the former group, 93 (63%) were completely resected, whereas only 14 (24%) of the latter group were resectable. Survival without regard to tumor stage or cell type is estimated to be 65% at 6 years for the carcinomas treated by complete resection, and 8% at 4 years for all others. © 1981 Société Internationale de Chirurgie.