'Too few' cancer surgeons

Fewer than 10 per cent of lung cancer patients are getting the treatment they deserve because of a severe shortage of surgeons, it is claimed today.

Among elderly lung cancer patients, it is estimated that only two per cent are given operations which could improve their quality of life, according to the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain (SCTS).

Lung cancer is the most common-cancer in the UK but survival-rates are among the lowest in Europe. Fewer than 10 per cent of all lung cancer patients are operated on in the UK - under half the number of operations conducted in the US and Holland.

The research, published in today's British Medical Journal, has led to calls for the Government to increase the number of thoracic surgeons by at least 50 and to commit to a substantial increase in hospital beds.

Professor Tom Treasure, of SCTS, said: "There is little doubt that urgent improvements are needed to improve lung cancer surgery rates in the UK.

"An increase in the number of surgeons dedicated to thoracic surgery will ensure that all suitable patients are operated on - regardless of age."