LUNG cancer patients treated by a North-East NHS trust have a better chance of survival and are more likely to receive active treatment than in other trusts, according to a new survey.

The latest National Lung Cancer Audit Report found that on average, the survival of patients treated at Newcastle Hospitals is longer than the national average.

In two important aspects of lung cancer patients’ care, Newcastle scored significantly higher than the national average - the percentage of patients receiving active treatment and the percentage of patients with small cell lung cancer (a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer) receiving chemotherapy.

Newcastle Hospitals, which includes the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital, scored better than the national average for the percentage of patients who survive one year, the percentage of patients surviving for three months and for average survival rates.

The annual audit was for patients who were diagnosed and treated for lung cancer during 2012.

Dr Ann Ward, consultant in respiratory medicine and lead for lung cancer at Newcastle Hospitals said: “We are delighted with these results.

"They reflect the positive attitude and dedication of the entire team who work incredibly hard to ensure the care and treatment we offer our patients is the best it possibly can be. We will continue to strive to improve our standards of care and outcomes.

“Finding lung cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment, and it is always best to have new symptoms checked. Stopping smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer developing.”