These conclusions explain why the results of symptom-based
programmes appear quite favourable, in spite of the low SLT. The
Be Clear on Cancer campaign (Cancer Research UK, 2014a) has
reported an increase in consultation rates (for persistent cough),
increased chest X-ray referrals, an increased number of lung cancer
diagnoses and an increased proportion of early stage diagnoses.
However, any expansion of diagnostic testing necessarily generates more diagnoses, and therefore earlier diagnoses.