Lung cancer kills fast

Lung cancer has a very poor prognosis. The chance of survival depends on stage at presentation. Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed at a very late stage and the treatment options are limited. On average, 15% of those affected survive a 5-year period.

Differences in lung cancer survival

The 5-year survival for NSCLC is about 15% and for SCLC only 5% (Janssen-Heijnen & Coebergh, 2003). Lung cancer survival varies more than two-fold across Europe (but within a range of 10%), as uncovered by the EUROCARE study (Coleman et al., 2003a). The highest 5-year survival rates were found in Austria, France, and Spain at around 11-13% for men and 11-16% for women. Poland, Denmark and the Czech Republic had the lowest survival rates. These differences can partly be explained by differences in cancer type prevalence, stage at the time of detection, or access to optimal treatment (Coleman et al., 2003a). See also Age-standardised relative survival (%) for lung cancer.

High societal cost of lung cancer

Lung cancer treatment is costly. The total cost comprises the costs of hospitalisation and treatment, as well as the production losses due to the morbidity and mortality caused by the lung cancer.

One study from 2001 estimates the average costs of treating a patient with SCLC at €17,000 (European Lung White Book, 2003). Hospitalisation accounts for almost 50% of the costs of care, and chemotherapy for 13%.

The most controversial issues in the discussion about the cost-effectivenes of interventions are palliative chemotherapy, and screening for lung cancer. For more information about screening, see the chapter Interventions.