The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is very concerned about the results of the National Lung Cancer Audit, which has identified that half of Britain’s lung cancer patients receive no treatment for their condition.
In response to the audit, medical experts have stated today that up to 3,000 lives a year could be saved if surgery rates in Britain for lung cancer were increased. The United Kingdom Lung Cancer Coalition (UKLCC), of which the BLF is an active member, has been very keen to push for the release of such information.
The report found that patients treated at the highest-performing trusts are more than four times more likely to be given surgery than patients in the lowest performing hospitals.
The third annual report of the National Lung Cancer Audit, published by the NHS Information Centre and the Royal College of Physicians, found that although some trusts are providing treatment comparable to the best international standards, some hospitals are failing to offer “acceptable” standards of practice in key aspects, including diagnosis and treatment.
At the moment, the vast majority of people who have survived more than five years after diagnosis are those who have had an operation.However, this audit shows that surgery is carried out on only 10% of lung cancer patients.
Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation commented:
“The results of this audit show that not enough people with lung cancer are being offered all the suitable treatment options available.It is particularly shocking that in some areas, only 4% of lung cancer patients undergo surgical operations.”
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