ABSTRACT
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men and women in North America, and the leading cause of cancer death among both sexes in the industrialized world. In 2007, it is estimated that lung cancer will be responsible for the deaths of over 180 000 individuals in North America. 1,2 In the last decade there has been a marked increase in the incidence of lung cancer in women. 3 Worldwide, the problem of lung cancer is escalating as the developing world succumbs to the promotional activities of the tobacco industry. The resulting worldwide epidemic of lung cancer is a major public health concern, not only because of the enormous loss of life and the great morbidity it causes, but also because of the large economic burden it places on health-care systems and society in general.
