In light of current challenges in accessing primary care, the authors, along with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, are calling for an expanded rollout of self-referral services.

Research indicates that self-referral rates for lung cancer diagnosis are on par with those referred by general practitioners, demonstrating that patients are effectively utilizing these services.

Paula Chadwick, CEO of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, highlighted the necessity of transforming diagnostic practices to detect lung cancer earlier, noting that 76% of early-stage cases are now identified through screening.

Dr. Stephen Bradley, a GP in Leeds and the study's lead author, emphasized that early detection of lung cancer can greatly influence patient outcomes.

Notably, approximately 14% of lung cancer diagnoses occur in individuals who have never smoked, a figure that has risen as smoking rates decline in the UK.

The analysis published in the British Journal of General Practice points to successful self-request chest X-ray services in Leeds and Greater Manchester, which allow patients with symptoms such as persistent cough and difficulty breathing direct access to radiology.

The UK has historically faced poor lung cancer outcomes compared to other high-income nations, with over 43,000 diagnoses made annually, largely attributed to smoking.

Nick Whitehead, a lung cancer patient, shared his personal experience of a delayed diagnosis despite multiple visits to his GP, underscoring the urgent need for self-referral options for X-rays.

A lung cancer screening program targeting individuals aged 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers is planned for implementation across England by 2029, although many lung cancer cases arise in those outside this demographic.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care reaffirmed the government's dedication to enhancing diagnostic services for lung diseases, including lung cancer, as part of a broader NHS reform initiative.

Experts in the UK are advocating for patients exhibiting lung cancer symptoms to have the ability to self-refer for chest X-rays, which could expedite diagnosis and enhance survival rates.

Experts recommend that awareness campaigns regarding lung cancer symptoms should be directed at both smokers and non-smokers, as the latter often present with less severe symptoms.