Incidence and survival from lung cancer in Greenland is comparable to survival in the Nordic countries
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INTRODUCTION: Oncological treatment of lung cancer has been available in Greenland since 2004. We evaluated patient characteristics and survival rates for the first six years of local lung cancer treatment.
METHODS: From September 2004 to August 2010, a total of 173 patients with lung cancer were referred to treatment at Queen Ingrid's Hospital. On 1 February 2014, treatment results, survival, and prognostic variables were analysed.
RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 63 years. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was diagnosed in 145 patients (84%); 56% had squamous cell carcinoma, 34% had adenocarcinoma, 2% had large cell carcinoma and 8% had NSCLC not otherwise specified (NOS). In all, 28 (16%) had small cell lung cancer. A total of 142 patients (82%) received treatment; 20 underwent surgery (ten stage Ib, one stage IIa, five stage IIb, four stage IIIa); palliative chemotherapy was given to 122 of the 142 treated patients (86%). Of these, 36 patients (30%) received second-line chemotherapy.The median survival of patients undergoing primary lobectomy/pneumonectomy, palliative chemotherapy, and no treatment was 76.3 months, 11.8 months, and 2.0 months, respectively (p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the first six years of lung cancer treatment in Greenland revealed a disease incidence and survival comparable to those found in the Nordic countries. To further decrease mortality from lung cancer, health-care resources should continue to be allocated to the prevention and treatment of lung cancer in Greenland.
FUNDING: not relevant.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Danish Medical Journal |
Vol/bind | 62 |
Udgave nummer | 4 |
Sider (fra-til) | A5033 |
ISSN | 1603-9629 |
Status | Udgivet - apr. 2015 |
ID: 247891025