There were 21,850 cases of newly diagnosed lung cancers in France in 1995. This figure corresponds to an incidence rate (standardized to the population of Europe) of 66.5 per 100,000 men and 8.9 per 100,000 women. The incidence is age-related and reaches a peak between 70 and 74 years of age for men and between 75 and 79 years of age for women. The incidence also varies by region and the highest rates were observed in east of France. Non-small-cell lung cancers represent 80% of all lung cancers. Between 1985 and 1995, as a result of changes in tobacco consumption, the incidence rates increased by 56% in women and by 5% in men under the age of 65. The incidence rates in France are close to the average rates observed in Europe. In 1995, lung cancers led to 23,900 deaths in France (mortality rate standardized to Europe: 36.6 per 100,000). 85% of deaths due to lung cancer occurred among men. Prognosis of lung cancer remains poor and has not improved appreciably over the last two decades. 58% of all patients died during the first year and 82% during the three years following lung cancer diagnosis. Survival rates appear to be better for patients with non small cell lung cancer than for patients with small cell lung cancer. Few studies have addressed the economics of lung cancer in France. Cost-of-illness studies of lung cancer were published mainly in Canada, the Netherlands and Australia. These analyses have included descriptive works as well as economic models based on theoretical diagnostic and treatment algorithms.