21.11.17
Lung cancer operations reach record number as survival rates continue to rise
A report today from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has revealed that a record 98.1% of patients survived after 30 days of lung cancer operations since 2015.
Almost 6,000 lung cancer operations took place in that period, with an additional 96.3% of patients alive after 90 days.
The lung cancer clinical outcomes publication (LCCOP), completed alongside the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain & Ireland (SCTS), shows that there was a survival rate of 87.9% after one year, similar to last year’s rate of 87.7% in 2014.
There was also an increasing number of operations taking place, with a rise of almost 5% across 28 trusts.
Dr Paul Beckett, senior clinical lead for the NLCA, commented: “Surgery, while very complex, is the first choice of treatment for patients as it offers the best chance of survival. It is therefore hugely reassuring to see that operations are safe in both the short and medium term.
“The LCCOP is an invaluable resource in measuring clinical outcomes for this common type of cancer, and it is very encouraging to see the positive results that operations are having on patients’ lives.”
After measuring the different ways in which the operations were carried out, the study showed that almost half the operations were carried out using minimally-invasive or “keyhole” techniques. In addition, 30 procedures took place with the use of robotic techniques.
Doug West, thoracic audit Lead for the SCTS, said: “We welcome this latest LCCOP report which shows that the NHS is continuing to deliver more surgery for lung cancer, and that survival rates after operations are increasing.
“It is incredibly useful to see the increasing depth of the data being presented, including the reporting of longer-term outcomes. The data reported this year is important in helping patients and families make informed choices about their care, especially around chances of survival and length of stay in hospital.”
Other results remained consistent across the board, with the average stay in hospital remaining six days as it also was in 2014.
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