Recent advances in managing non-small-cell lung cancer: 1. Clinical aspects of diagnosis and staging.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in Australian adults. Over 90% of lung cancers are due to exposure to tobacco smoke. Female smokers are more susceptible to developing lung cancer than male smokers. The overall survival of non-small-cell lung cancer is 13%, having increased from 6% over the past 30 years. The development of new, unexplained respiratory or systemic symptoms in a heavy smoker or ex-smoker should raise the suspicion of lung cancer. Early detection and consideration of tumour resection for all operable tumours are the main strategies for improving the cure rate of non-small-cell lung cancer at present. Reducing the prevalence of smoking remains the best method for reducing lung cancer deaths.