Recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is responsible for 25% of all cancer deaths in the UK and it is estimated that over 80% of lung cancers are related to smoking. Despite numerous health education campaigns, large numbers of young people take up smoking, particularly girls. In the past there has been a somewhat nihilistic attitude to the management of lung cancer, but this is changing due to the emergence of sub-specialisation in oncology and the development of new techniques and treatment, which are beginning to show promise.