The results of surgery for lung cancer performed in 1981 and respectively in 1991 were compared in regards to 5 years survival time. Most centers of thoracic surgery in Poland participated in the study. In 1981 728 patients underwent surgery for LC and in 1991-1141 had some kinds of lung resection for LC. The improvement rate of 17% in regards to 5 years survival time was achieved in the latter period.