Pathways to diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer: a descriptive cohort study

Pathways to diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer: a descriptive cohort studyPathways to diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer: a descriptive cohort study, Published online: 08 February 2019; doi:10.1038/s41533-018-0113-7Examining events leading to the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Australia yields insights to guide further research and perhaps improve the pathways to diagnosis. NSCLC is by far the most common form of lung cancer. Researchers, led by the Cancer Institute New South Wales, investigated clinical care contacts leading to diagnosis, using a descriptive cohort study of 894 patients diagnosed between 2006 and 2012. The researchers quantified contact with GPs and lung specialists, hospital admissions and diagnostic imaging procedures. Living in remote locations had little influence on access to services. More than half of the patients did not see a lung specialist during the pathway to diagnosis, while a quarter received their diagnosis in an emergency setting. Further research should investigate whether there are barriers preventing timely diagnosis.

Source: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine - February 8, 2019 Category: Primary Care Authors: Stuart Purdie Nicola Creighton Kahren Maree White Deborah Baker Dan Ewald Chee Khoon Lee Alison Lyon Johnathan Man David Michail Alexis Andrew Miller Lawrence Tan David Currow Jane M. Young Source Type: research