Lung cancer is by far the most common cause of cancer death in the UK. It is a common condition typically presented at a late stage. Late diagnosis of lung cancer is a leading cause of poor cancer survival outcomes in the UK.
RM Partners data analysis revealed areas within West London of high incidence of lung cancer; low rates of diagnosis at the early stages of lung cancer (1 and 2); high rates of diagnosis at stage 4 and low one year survival rates for patients with lung cancer.
We are supporting two projects to improve earlier diagnosis of lung cancer across West London. The low dose lung CT case finding project takes a proactive approach by detecting cancer at an early stage in patients who are asymptomatic, and the local implementation of the National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway (NOLCP) aims to improve the delivery of reactive diagnostic pathways once patients are symptomatic.