Lung Cancer Policy Network

At our recent collaborative workshop with the Asia Pacific Coalition against Lung Cancer, delegates from more than 10 countries came together to discuss the key challenges and opportunities in implementing lung cancer screening in the region. Through insightful discussions, we have developed a set of actionable recommendations to advance screening efforts. We hope our recommendations will serve as a foundation for continued collaboration, driving change and advancing lung cancer screening implementation. Discover our full event report for more details: https://lnkd.in/exTCNkfU

In Estonia, a stepwise implementation plan has been developed to facilitate the successful and well-structured launch of a national lung cancer screening programme. In our recent case study, we examined the steps the country took in getting to this stage, and the role pilot studies played in assessing the feasibility and potential of starting a nationwide programme. With plans in place to roll out the programme county by county, we hope the ongoing progress in Estonia can serve as inspiration for other countries looking to follow suit. Find out more:  https://lnkd.in/eJDhQpjg

The effective management of incidental pulmonary nodules (IPNs) offers a crucial route to detecting lung cancer earlier, outside of targeted screening. While targeted screening programmes using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) are the most effective method for earlier detection, they alone are not enough to tackle the global challenge of lung cancer. And such programmes are not always feasible in all healthcare settings. IPNs are lung nodules that are detected outside of targeted screening, meaning they may be found during emergency scans or while imaging other areas of the body. As we near the end of #LungCancerAwarenessMonth, we have published a new policy report outlining how the optimal management of IPNs can lead to earlier lung cancer diagnoses when more effective treatment options may be available. The report sets out how the management of IPNs can be optimised in three key stages – detection, tracking and follow-up – and provides clear recommendations for each. To maximise this opportunity for early detection, we need formal pathways that support identifying and monitoring people with IPNs. #DetectEarlySaveLives #LungCancerAwarenessMonth Find out how this can be achieved: https://lnkd.in/e2RVRDAi

We recently hosted a webinar focused on earlier detection of lung cancer, and the recording is now available.   As part of #LungCancerAwarenessMonth, we hosted a webinar focused on overcoming these obstacles. We were very pleased to be joined by a global panel of experts who shared their unique insights on implementing earlier detection strategies – including screening programmes – across different health systems and national contexts, and how they addressed the challenges they encountered along the way. Speakers included: • Professor John Field – Professor of Molecular Oncology (Clinical), University of Liverpool, UK • Lauren Pretorius – Chief Executive Officer, Campaigning for Cancer, South Africa • Luis E Raez – Chief Scientific Officer & Medical Director, Memorial Cancer Institute, US • Lucía Viola – Pulmonologist (Internal Medicine), Fundación Neumológica Colombiana; Institutional Pulmonologist, Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo Research and Treatment Cancer Center, Colombia • Tiffany Gowen Gowen - Director, Commission on Patient- and Family-Centered Care, American College of Radiology, US • Pan-Chyr Yang – Professor of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan • Mattias Johansson – Molecular Epidemiologist, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO)   While the evidence is clear that detecting lung cancer earlier can greatly improve outcomes for people with the disease, huge barriers still stand in the way of implementing comprehensive plans to realising this potential.   The full recording is now available: https://lnkd.in/erRcweQD

The Lung Cancer Policy Network now has more than 90 members from all over the world! The Network wouldn’t be possible without its members – their guidance and expertise inform everything we do. Together, we work to make lung cancer a global policy priority. We do this by supporting the lung cancer and oncology community with evidence-based research, insights from experts and actionable policy recommendations. This #LungCancerAwarenessMonth, Network members are sharing messages about detecting lung cancer earlier. Click below to hear their messages. 👇

Targeted low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer is widely considered the gold standard for detecting the disease early. To demonstrate the value of screening as a cost-effective way to improve outcomes, we developed five factsheets with policymakers in mind. They provide a summary of key evidence needed to help governments commit to the implementation of lung cancer screening. While there’s plenty of evidence for action, some policymakers are still not fully aware of the burden lung cancer places on people, or its implications for health systems and economies. #DetectEarlySaveLives #LungCancerAwarenessMonth Find out more and share them today: https://lnkd.in/e9a4U9QH

Currently, many people with lung cancer are diagnosed at a late stage, which is a primary reason why the disease is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the power of early detection to transform the disease into a condition with more treatment options and better outcomes. In our latest blog, we outline the benefits of detecting lung cancer early and the challenges that need to be overcome around the world. From low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening to awareness-raising and the management of incidental pulmonary nodules, every step towards detecting lung cancer early has a profoundly positive impact. hashtag #DetectEarlySaveLives hashtag #LungCancerAwarenessMonth Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dqagVfty

Join us tomorrow for a webinar examining opportunities to improve early-detection strategies for lung cancer across different settings. We will be joined by a global panel of experts who will share their unique insights into implementing screening strategies across different health systems and national contexts, as well as how they overcame the challenges encountered along the way. #DetectEarlySaveLives #LungCancerAwarenessMonth Register now: https://lnkd.in/eSXx9eNB

In South Korea, lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer and remains the leading cause of cancer-related death. To address this, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) was launched in 2019, targeting high-risk individuals. The programme uses low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to detect lung cancer early, focusing on people aged 54–74 who smoke. Building on this, a new study has compared the programme’s existing screening criteria with an expanded set of criteria to assess whether adapting screening criteria could optimise the programme in detecting lung cancer earlier among all those who are at high risk.   Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eaCvqSZA

Great to see this collaborative approach to engaging with communities! #SOLACELUNG #LCSM