The RCP welcomes a new interactive map for people affected by lung cancer launched today by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF). The map was developed using data from the National Lung Cancer Audit’s (NLCA) 2011 report and has been designed to inform patients about lung cancer treatment at their local hospitals.
The RCP is always supportive of audit data being used to inform patients, and talking about the map, Dr Mick Peake, consultant in respiratory medicine, audit clinical lead and clinical lead for NHS Cancer Improvement and the National Cancer Intelligence Network said:
The measures of care that are included in the map are strong indicators of the quality of care and some are known to be linked with improved patient survival. For instance the higher the rates of surgical resection, active treatment and access to specialist nurses, the better the outcomes for the patient. I would urge people living with lung cancer to log on to the RCLCF website and explore the map for themselves if they are interested in understanding more about standards of care.
Dr Jesme Fox, medical director at the RCLCF said:
The standard of lung cancer care varies widely across the UK. People living with the disease should know what care is available in their local area. This tool ensures that lung cancer patients and their families are better informed and so, are better equipped to work with their doctors in making sure they get the best care available.
The National Lung Cancer audit is a part of a wider programme of national audit run by the Information Centre for health and social care (the IC). The audit is run in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians and funded by HQIP.
Find out more about the National Lung Cancer Audit
View the interactive map on the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website
For further information, please contact Hannah Bristow, Clinical Standards communications officer, on +44 (0)20 3075 1447 / 07584 303 784 or email Hannah.Bristow@rcplondon.ac.uk