[The connection between delayed diagnosis of lung cancer and the intraoperative stage]

The five-year survival after surgery for non-small cell lung cancer is good with respect to Stage I and Stage II and poor with respect to higher stages. The aim of this retrospective study of 172 patients was to detect a connection between the intraoperative stage and the pre-operative delay. Concerning the intervals from first symptom to operation and from first contact with the healthcare system to operation, the delay was significantly shorter for the patients in Stage I and II compared to Stage III and IV. The fraction of lung cancers detected by coincidence was significantly higher in Stage I and II compared with Stage III and IV. In conclusion, a few months' delay before final treatment of a non small-cell lung cancer has an impact on the perioperative stage, and thereby on the patient's prognosis. Screening asymptomatic risk-group patients will result in recognition of early lung cancer.