Lung Cancer

• Lung cancer can be caused by smoking

  . Lung cancer was a rare disease in 1900, but became common by the 1940s. Today, around 20% of all cancer deaths in the UK are due to lung cancer. Approximately 43,500 people are diagnosed every year

  . Scientists have estimated that around 90% of lung cancer cases can be linked to tobacco smoking. The popularity of smoking increased during the First World War, particularly among soldiers. Smoking soon became popular among women too

  . In 1950, the link between smoking and lung cancer was proven by Richard Doll and Austin Bradford Hill
• What has improved in lung cancer diagnostics and treatment?

  Diagnostics and treatment have improved
• How have advances in science and technology affected lung cancer?

  They have made diagnosis and treatment easier
• What is the first means of diagnosing lung cancer?

  Chest X-rays
• What can chest X-rays show regarding lung cancer?

  They can show abnormalities in the lung
• What imaging technique provides a more detailed image of the lungs?

  CT scans
• What is bronchoscopy used for in lung cancer diagnosis?

  To take a sample of suspected cells
• What is required for bronchoscopy to be performed?

  Local anaesthetic to numb the throat
• How can lung cancer be treated surgically?

  By removing the affected lung
• What modern treatments are used for lung cancer?

  Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy
• How does radiation therapy work for lung cancer?

  It directs radiation at the lungs
• What does lung cancer chemotherapy involve?

  A combination of several drugs injected into the bloodstream
• How do surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy differ in treating lung cancer?

  Surgery removes tissue, while others target cells
• What has the government done to reduce smoking?

  Implemented various campaigns and legislation
• Why did the government warn people about smoking risks?

  Because the link to lung cancer was clear
• What did the Royal College of Physicians recommend in 1962?

  A ban on tobacco advertising
• When were cigarette adverts banned from television?

  In 1965
• What health warning was mandated for cigarette packets in 1971?

  Health warning labels must be included
• What was the purpose of the smoking ban in public places?

  To reduce smoking exposure in public areas
• When was the smoking ban introduced in Scotland?

  In 2006
• When was the smoking ban introduced in England and Wales?

  In 2007
• What have recent government campaigns focused on regarding smoking?

  Helping people quit and discouraging smoking
• What law was passed by Parliament in March 2015?

  Plain packaging for cigarette boxes
• How has smoking prevalence changed for men from 1948 to 2010?

  Fallen from 65% to around 20%
• How has smoking prevalence changed for women from 1948 to 2010?

  Fallen from 41% to 20%
• What does the decline in smoking rates indicate about government action?

  • Increased government activity in health
  • Numerous campaigns and legislation implemented
  • Contrast to pre-1900 government attitudes