Management of lung cancer

There are approximately 4,800 new cases of lung cancer and 4,000 related deaths each year in Scotland.  Eighty nine per cent of cases occur in patients over 60 years, with about 90% of patients being smokers or ex-smokers.

Remit and target users

The guideline covers all aspects of the management of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), reflecting the most recent evidence on diagnostic and staging investigations, surgery, radiotherapy and systemic anticancer therapy. It also provides information for discussion with patients and carers.

The guideline is intended for use by chest physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical and clinical oncologists, pharmacists, public health practitioners, nurses, general practitioners, palliative care teams and allied health professionals.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.

Keeping up to date

This guideline was issued in 2014 and will be considered for review in three years. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the review report.

Some recommendations may be out of date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.