Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While advanced technologies like CT scanners play a crucial role in detecting lung cancer, more accessible and affordable tools, such as X-rays, are often easier for patients to obtain. However, it was not widely understood whether increasing the number of chest X-rays ordered by general practitioners (GPs) would result in benefits. The frequency of chest X-rays prescribed varies significantly across different GP practices, possibly because some GPs may have been unconvinced of the potential advantages for patients presenting with common symptoms. A new groundbreaking study has revealed a strong connection between the frequency of chest X-ray referrals by GPs and earlier diagnoses, as well as improved survival rates for lung cancer patients.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, UK), analyzed data from over 170,000 lung cancer patients in England between 2014 and 2018, combined with chest X-ray referral rates from 7,400 GP practices. Published in the British Journal of General Practice, the findings demonstrated that patients at practices with higher rates of chest X-ray referrals were more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. These practices also saw a lower rate of diagnoses at later stages of cancer (stages three and four). Additionally, patients from these practices had better survival outcomes both one and five years post-diagnosis, compared to those from practices with lower chest X-ray usage. This study is the first of its kind to link chest X-ray referral rates with national cancer registry data, highlighting the significant impact of early diagnosis on survival.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths both in the UK and globally. This is an important step forward in our understanding of how to improve lung cancer detection,” said Dr. Stephen Bradley from the University of Sheffield’s School of Medicine and Population Health who was the lead author of the study. “Our research strongly suggests that increasing the use of chest X-rays for patients with relevant symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and, crucially, better chances of survival.” 

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