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Family doctors may not be picking up the signs of lung cancer and investigating them as appropriately as they might, suggest the findings of a new study. 

UK lags behind other countries in survival rates for lung cancer and the gap might be because of the late diagnosis of the disease.

In the new study, researchers analyzed family doctors' investigation of lung cancer between 2000 and 2013.

Total 20,142 cases of lung cancer recorded by 444 general practices during the study period were analyzed. 

Of these, one in 20 (5%; 1071) was recorded only on the death certificate. Of the remainder, one in 10 patients (2036) died within a month of diagnosis; and around one in seven (15%) died within 3 months, the press release added. 

The findings of the study underscored that current smokers were also 43 percent more likely to die early than those who had never smoked. 

Deeper analysis hinted differences in consultation and investigation patterns for patients who died early compared with those who survived for more than three months. 

The researchers also pointed that the average family doctor is likely to see only new case of lung cancer a year. 

"For this reason we need to promote better use of risk assessment tools, and use software prompts to help GPs to identify and investigate in a timely manner those at risk," researchers wrote.

"This has potential to increase the proportion of patients who are diagnosed at an early stage and are, therefore, suitable for treatment with curative intent."

The report has been published in the journal British Medical Journal.