New platform estimates impact of targeted lung cancer screening

Members of the Lung Cancer Policy Network were pleased to be consulted on the methodology that underpins a new platform estimating how screening implementation could save lives from lung cancer.

The Saving Lives from Lung Cancer platform aims to highlight the impact that earlier detection of lung cancer could have on saving lives from the disease.

The platform developer AstraZeneca, supported by Incisive Health, said:

‘The Saving Lives from Lung Cancer Platform is working to support policymakers, healthcare providers, advocates and politicians to identify high-risk populations beyond smokers and campaign for the early intervention on lung cancer, by providing a roadmap for saving lives through the implementation of equitable screening solutions.’

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. A key reason for this is that lung cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage where treatments are very limited and prognosis is poor. If lung cancer were detected at an early stage, through strategies such as targeted low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening programmes, people who are diagnosed with the disease could have increased therapeutic options, including potentially curative treatments.

Several countries have implemented screening programmes specifically targeted at those most at risk of developing the disease. However, despite large-scale evidence of the effectiveness and feasibility of these programmes, there is much to be done to accelerate this implementation.

Recognising the expertise of the Network – which includes clinicians, patient advocates, screening leads, industry partners and others from more than 20 countries – the Saving Lives from Lung Cancer platform developers invited Network members to review the methodology that contributed to the projections shared in the platform.

The map and calculator can be accessed here.