[Lung cancer in Spain: the current situation. 2008 SESPAS Report]

Abstract

Lung cancer is currently the most frequent cause of death from cancer worldwide, warranting periodic analysis of the development and results of strategies aimed at reducing the incidence, mortality and morbidity related to this disease in Spain. PREVENTIVE ASPECTS: Mortality reduction among men contrasts with the increase observed in women, reflecting changes in tobacco exposure in the last few decades. Prevention programs aimed specifically at women and youngsters should be developed. In addition, the current law of smoking prevention should be amplified and vigorously applied. ASPECTS RELATED TO EARLY DIAGNOSIS: So far, there is insufficient scientific evidence to initiate a population-based lung cancer screening program. Preferential health care circuits are required to guarantee coordination among centres and levels of care and to substantially reduce current delays in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with lung cancer. TREATMENT-RELATED ASPECTS: Therapeutic decisions in all lung cancer patients should be based on teamwork and scientific evidence. Palliative care deserves the same priority as oncological treatments. Lung cancer patients should participate more fully in therapeutic decisions. Better information systems are required for clinical assessment and research on this disease.