The mortality and trends of lung cancer among females in urban and rural China, 2004 to 2018: A cohort study

Lung cancer is the most common cancer among females and leading cause of cancer-related death among Chinese females. This cohort study aimed to analyze the mortality rates and temporal trends of lung cancer among Chinese females from 2004 to 2018, with a focus on urban-rural disparities. Data were collected from the disease surveillance points system, which monitors major disease imposing a heavy burden on the Chinese population. Annual data were collected across multiple regions and this study extracted lung cancer mortality data. The changing trend of the mortality was described. The mortality of lung cancer among urban and rural female was compared. This study showed the crude mortality rates for females increased from 2004 to the 2018, but age-standardized rates decreased in urban areas and increased in rural areas. In urban areas, the annual percentage change in mortality was -1.2%, and for rural areas, the annual percentage change was 1.2%. Lung cancer mortality increased with age, especially after 50 years of age. This study highlights the need to strengthen lung cancer prevention among females, especially in rural areas. It will be important to target prevention strategies at reducing risk factors for lung cancer among females, especially among those aged under 50 years.