Variation in causes of death in patients with non-small cell lung cancer according to stage and time since diagnosis

This Netherlands population-based study followed causes of death in patients with NSCLC diagnosed 1989-2008, including more than 72,000 patients.  For those with localized disease, lung cancer was the cause of death in 80-85% for years 0-3, 60-75% for years 4-6, and remained the cause of death for more than 30% thereafter.  After 6 years CAD and COPD became the primary causes of death.