Objective: To compare epidemiological parameters for lung cancer in the last 2 decades (1986-1995 versus 1996-2005).
Methods: Data on demographic characteristics, and histological subtype of lung cancer patients were retrospectively collected by a chart review in Cumhuriyet University Hospital, Sivas, Turkey for the period of 1993-2005. All other full-text papers that report epidemiological data for lung cancer in Turkey were also searched for meta-analysis.
Results: A total of 25,604 patients were analyzed in the last 2 decades. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 59.4 years, and 92.5% of the patients were males. In the last decade, the rate of squamous cell carcinoma decreased from 61-50%, however, the rate of small cell carcinoma increased from 19-24%, and the rate of adenocarcinoma from 20-26%.
Conclusion: There was a shift in the male/female ratio in Turkey. The rate of squamous cell carcinoma decreased, however, small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma increased progressively.