To find independent prognostic factor of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), identify the population with "high-risk" of recurrence and death in resected NSCLC, and direct adjuvant therapy for clinical doctors. 85 resected patients from NSCLC were followed up. All patients were subjected to the study by light microscope, immunochemistry, PCR-SSCP method, and DNA image analysis. Thirteen clinical, pathological, and biological factors were analysed by Cox regression model. The median follow-up period was 47 months. The overall 3-year survival rate was 66% and the overall 5-year survival rate 61%. Cox regression showed significant univariate predictors (P < 0.05) of early recurrence and death for NSCLC were lymphnode status, pTNM, tumor emboli, microvessel count, Ki-67 antigen labeling, DNA relative content and p53 gene mutation. Microvessel count (P < 0.001) and pTNM (P = 0.006) were independent predictors of early recurrence and cancer-death. According to the multivariate model for predicting early recurrence and cancer death, prognostic index (PI) was calculated. The PI may be a useful clinical tool for evaluating prognosis of patients and identifying the population with "high-risk" of recurrence and death in NSCLC.