Blueprint Of Services For Lung Cancer

Primary lung cancer is the commonest malignant disease in the developed world, and is the

most prevalent form of cancer among men over 65 years. It continues to rise in those aged

over 75 years. Mortality from lung cancer is increasing in women. The condition still has a

short clinical course and a poor prognosis. The literature is in agreement about the effectiveness

of preventing lung cancer incidence by targeting smoking behaviour, particularly in preventing

young people taking up smoking. There is further consensus about the lack of a population

screening method which can be recommended, and the desirability of detecting non-small cell

lung cancer early enough for surgical intervention. The effectiveness of treatment for advanced

disease is less marked, and it is of concern that many people who present with lung cancer are

unsuitable for surgical intervention. The role of palliative care is critical in this condition and

this care should be introduced early in the interaction between the patient and the services.