The National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) has today published its State of the Nation Report 2026, presenting the latest data on people diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024 across England and Wales.
The report highlights encouraging improvements in early-stage diagnosis and survival, reflecting the collective efforts of NHS teams, researchers, charities and campaigners working to transform lung cancer outcomes.
Key Findings: Progress Where It Matters Most
Among the most significant findings in this year’s report are:
- An increase in the proportion of lung cancers diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be curative.
- Improved survival rates, continuing a positive upward trend in outcomes.
The report is accompanied by two clear and accessible infographics for England and Wales which summarise these improvements and are particularly helpful for understanding the headline data at a glance.
Earlier diagnosis remains one of the most important factors in improving survival. When lung cancer is found at stage 1 or 2, treatment options are broader and outcomes are significantly better. The continued shift towards earlier-stage detection is therefore an important milestone.
What This Means
While these improvements are encouraging, lung cancer continues to present significant challenges. Variation in outcomes still exists, and too many people are diagnosed at a late stage.
The data reinforces the importance of:
- Ongoing awareness campaigns about symptoms
- Continued rollout and uptake of lung cancer screening
- Investment in diagnostic capacity
- Ensuring equitable access to high-quality treatment and care
Sustained focus and collaboration are essential to maintain and accelerate progress.
We welcome the publication of this year’s NLCA State of the Nation Report and will continue working with partners across the UK to ensure everyone affected by lung cancer receives a timely diagnosis, effective treatment and the support they need.
Supporting Transparency and Improvement
Alongside the main report, the NLCA has published:
- An interactive data dashboard presenting provider-level results
- Supplementary materials, including a methodology supplement
- A Quality Improvement Action Plan template
- Supporting infographics
This comprehensive approach enables healthcare providers to benchmark performance, identify areas for development and drive further improvements in patient care.
We’re proud to have supported the development of this report in partnership with the Audit team.For the full report and supporting materials, visit:
https://www.natcan.org.uk/reports/nlca-state-of-the-nation-report-2026-2/
The Royal College of Surgeons of England has also issued a response to the findings, which you can read here:
https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/nlca-response/