Bronchogenic carcinoma in San Diego County; relation of mortality rates to findings in mass chest x-ray survey.

Nearly half the population of San Diego County was examined by chest x-ray for bronchogenic carcinoma. The disease was correctly diagnosed in 20 persons, of whom 17 died. Twenty-four others in whom it was not detected in survey films died of the disease in the following two years. Of the 20 cases found, 16 were in men, all more than 54 years of age, and of the 24 who died after "negative" classification, 20 were men over 40. The death rate for men over 40 years of age from bronchogenic carcinoma is about one in a thousand. Because of the frequently rapid progress of the disease after onset, and the poor prognosis after the appearance of symptoms, x-ray examination every six months for men over 40 should be considered.