Delays in the diagnosis of lung cancer occurred because patients failed to recognise symptoms as serious and warranting medical attention

摘要

The study by Corner ef alraises several complex challenges for nurses and healthcare professionals. Improving cancer outcomes relies primarily on prevention as well as earlier and more accurate detection. However, as the study by Corner el al suggests, lung cancer commonly presents with a range of vague symptoms that may not immediately be suggestive of a serious disease with poor prognosis. Unlike breast cancer, where an external lump may prompt women and their healthcare providers to access diagnostic services, lung cancer arises internally and is often associated with comorbidities, especially in elderly people. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that earlier detection improves survival in lung cancer.1 Given the reality of finite healthcare resources and the increasing incidence of lung cancer worldwide,2 it is beneficial to focus on its causes to help prevent this devastating disease. Cigarette smoking and poverty are 2 of the most important factors to be confronted. The effectiveness of interventions supporting earlier detection or increased awareness of initial symptoms in people at high risk should be tested. To decrease incidence of lung cancer, nurses should consider supporting efforts to challenge the tobacco industry. At the level of service provision, health education needs to be improved, and appropriate end of life care should be made available to patients with lung cancer, who often face a rapid decline.3 Given the magnitude of the problem and the lack of attention it receives, the study by Corner ef al suggests that there is value in questioning practice in order to assist the increasing numbers of patients likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer in the future.