Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199514220090427139140ENGastroenterohepatology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences/Department of Biostatistics, Lorestan University of Medical SciencesGastroenterohepatology Research Center, Department of Pathology, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesGastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesGastroenterohepatology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesOffice of Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesOffice of Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences2008103020090103Background: Lung cancer is one of the fatal cancers in Iran while 12% of the mortalities are related to this cancer in the country. This active hospital-based study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of lung cancer in Fars Province, southern Iran. Methods: Data including face-to-face interview with patients and a survey of their medical and demographic records in relation to all invasive cancers were actively collected from 2002 to 2007 from four university hospitals. Results: Among 10800 cancer cases registered during this period, 238 cases were lung cancer, including 76.1% male and 23.9% female patients. 66.1% of the lung cancer cases were smokers. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 58.3 years which was higher in males compared to females (pv<0.001). There were also more smokers among males than females (74.6% vs 38.7%, pv<0.001). The most common histological type of lung cancer was squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Our results showed a higher prevalence of lung cancer in males, age group of 46-65, smokers and moderate and low socioeconomic classes while the most common type was squamous cell carcinoma. It seems that these findings may play a key role for authorities in health planning programs.http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/2560http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/2560/1621