Uncovering unwarranted variation in lung cancer diagnosis - State of the Nation report
This State of the Nation report on lung cancer describes the findings of a population-based study using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data to explore the possibility of unwarranted variation in initial diagnoses of lung cancer across England, through looking at different elements of the lung cancer pathway.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with over 49,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year.1 It remains one of the most challenging diseases facing our healthcare system, with survival outcomes heavily dependent on the timing of diagnosis.
Our report, which was commissioned and funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, ‘Lung cancer diagnosis in England in 2024. Can we do better?' highlights several inequalities in lung cancer diagnosis in England. Notable findings include that patients with mental health conditions are more likely to be diagnosed initially with advanced diseases than those without mental health conditions, and that this disparity is also present in emergency care pathways, where late-stage diagnoses following emergency presentation to A&E are significantly higher for those with mental health conditions.
We hope that this report will serve as a starting point for ICBs, Cancer Alliances and other relevant bodies to become further informed about lung cancer diagnosis and offer suggestions in determining how to further take meaningful action to reduce health inequalities and improve health equity in lung cancer in their areas.
Click the report image below to view the report.
September 2025. ONC-GB-2500405
1. Cancer Research UK. What is lung cancer? Available at https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/what-is. Accessed November 2025.
This work uses data provided by patients and collected by the NHS as part of their care and support. Secondary care data is taken from the English Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database produced by NHS England, Copyright © 2025, NHS England. Re-used with the permission of NHS England. All rights reserved.