Lung cancer survival and sex-specific patterns in Portugal: A population-based analysis

The differences between OS and RS were small, reflecting the high lethality of LC. Male gender and older age are factors related to poor prognosis. Histology also plays a role in survival prognosis and varies with gender, but the factor related to the worst survival is stage. Although the study reflects data from a decade ago, and major changes occurred in diagnosis, staging and treatment, particularly for advanced disease, as LC mortality is strongly correlated with late stage diagnosis, all efforts should be made to secure early diagnosis and improve survival prospects.