Notifiable malignant lesions in the RSA, 1979-1983--trends and mortality. I. Malignant neoplasms of the bronchus and lung.

Primary malignant tumours of the bronchus, lung and pleura were introduced as notifiable medical conditions in August 1979. The western Cape, Natal and eastern Cape have been the regions with the highest notification rates. Small numbers of cases and deaths were notified from other areas (Orange Free State, southern Transvaal, northern Transvaal and northern Cape). During the period 1979-1983 one-fifth of deaths registered at Central Statistical Services were notified to the Department of National Health and Population Development. Mortality due to lung cancer, as registered, increased by 39.3% in coloured females; from 24.2/100,000 to 33.7/100,000.