Background Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Ireland, with survival outcomes closely linked to the timeliness of diagnosis. Despite advancements in diagnostics and treatment, significant challenges persist throughout the diagnostic pathway, including nonspecific symptoms, patient-related delays, and inefficiencies within the healthcare system. The establishment of Rapid Access Lung Clinics (RALCs) in 2009 has improved referral processes, yet only half of lung cancer cases are currently diagnosed via this route, indicating a need to better understand alternative diagnostic pathways. Aim This study aims to map diagnostic pathways for lung cancer in Ireland and evaluate their impact on clinical outcomes, including time to diagnosis, treatment initiation, and survival. Methods This retrospective cohort study will include all patients whose lung cancer care commenced at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre between 2012 and 2023. We will undertake a comprehensive analysis of diagnostic pathways, examining associations with (1) sociodemographic factors, (2) presenting symptoms, (3) time to diagnosis, (4) treatment approaches, and (5) survival outcomes. The study will employ descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic and linear regression models, and survival analysis to characterise and compare pathways. Implications This protocol outlines a methodological approach to utilising routine healthcare data to map lung cancer diagnostic pathways in Ireland. The findings will provide critical evidence for the HSE National Cancer Control Programme and policymakers to improve health system processes and enhance early detection.
Harris et al. (Mon,) studied this question.