ABOUT 85 lung cancer patients in Yorkshire and the Humber may be missing out on life-saving surgery each year, according to figures from Cancer Research.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, around 3,400 people are diagnosed with non small-cell lung cancer every year and around 610 of them have major surgery.

Experts believe that surgery is responsible for around half of the cases where any cancer is cured. And although it is not always appropriate for every patient, it plays a significant role in improving lung cancer survival.

Cancer Research UK is calling for people in Yorkshire to make sure their next MP is committed to beating cancer sooner, by emailing their election candidates at cruk.org/crosscancerout.

Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Yorkshire, said: “Lung cancer, in particular, is one of the hardest cancers to treat, so it’s unacceptable that so many patients in Yorkshire and the Humber are missing out on potentially life-saving surgery.

“It may not always be an option if the disease has spread, the patient decides they don’t want to undergo surgery or if they aren’t well enough for the operation. But previous research has suggested that some older patients who are eligible for surgery are being overlooked because of their age. It’s vital we remove any barriers so that patients who may benefit from surgery are given the option.”