The National Lung Cancer Audit published its most recent report, State of the Nation Report 2023, on Wednesday 12th April.
The findings show that lung cancer services are recovering. The number of people diagnosed has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
However, challenges remain. Fewer patients diagnosed at stage 1 or 2 receive curative-intent treatment than the audit standard requires.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, commented on the report:
“The State of the Nation Report 2023 from the National Lung Cancer Audit shows that services are recovering after the Covid-19 pandemic. We know the pandemic had a severe impact on all cancers, especially lung cancer.
We are relieved that diagnoses have returned to pre-pandemic levels in England and Wales. Lung cancer never went away. In 2020, fewer diagnoses did not mean fewer cases. It meant we detected fewer people. It is encouraging that people now receive diagnoses and can start treatment.
The report also shows that treatment is improving, although not as quickly as we would like. Surgical rates, which we recognise as the most effective curative-intent treatment, have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Seventy-nine percent of people with early-stage disease received curative-intent treatment. That marks a 4% increase, but it still falls short of the 80% audit standard. That is disappointing and concerning. Early diagnosis can be difficult, so when we catch lung cancer early, we must ensure patients receive life-saving treatment.
There is positive news. In Wales, 93% of patients saw a specialist nurse at diagnosis.
Lung cancer nurse specialists play a vital role. They guide patients, offer support, and act as key allies. Research shows that patients live longer and cope better with treatment when specialist nurses care for them. It is reassuring that most patients have that support.
This is a clear positive from the latest figures. However, we all recognise the pressure on the NHS. We must use this report to continue rebuilding services and prioritise lung cancer and the thousands of people it affects.”
Click here for more information about The National Lung Cancer Audit – State of the Nation Report 2023