A landmark year for lung cancer

This year has marked a turning point in the global policy response to lung cancer

After decades of advocacy, we have finally witnessed lung cancer being firmly placed on the global policy agenda. The focus now is on creating a clear pathway from policy to action, ensuring that political commitments translate into real-world impact.

The adoption of the first-ever integrated resolution on lung health at the 78th World Health Assembly across a range of communicable and non-communicable lung conditions, including lung cancer, marked a historic milestone. Alongside this, the upcoming IARC handbook on lung cancer screening reflects the growing attention lung cancer is receiving in global policy. It will provide a comprehensive assessment of screening, laying out a framework for action that draws on the best available evidence.

Regional efforts also gained momentum – with the Asia Pacific consensus on lung cancer, developed by Asia Pacific Policy Review and Engagement (ASPIRE) for Lung Cancer and the Asia Pacific Coalition Against Lung Cancer, highlighting the urgent need for a tailored policy approach to address lung cancer disparities in this part of the world.

Meanwhile, the global lung cancer policy report from IASLC Global Policy and Partnership Committee and the announcement of the IASLC–Lancet Commission on Lung Cancer reflect a new era of coordinated, evidence-based action to elevate lung cancer in policy in the global sense.

These policy milestones reflect a growing recognition that lung cancer must be addressed through coordinated, evidence-based action. They also underscore the power of stakeholder collaboration across sectors and borders to drive meaningful change.
 

Looking ahead, we are united by a shared ambition

Together, our goal is to drive the political prioritisation of lung cancer and eliminate it as a cause of death. We envision a future where policymakers place survival from lung cancer at the forefront of health agendas.

To help realise this vision, we will continue to advance our work across three focus areas:

1. expanding and optimising lung cancer screening
2. accelerating earlier detection and diagnosis
3. strengthening optimal care.

The Network is guided by four foundational pillars that shape our focus and activities to sustain progress in these areas:

1. Strengthening consensus-driven, evidence-based policy insights. We develop resources that empower advocates and equip policymakers with the evidence they need to make informed decisions.
2. Advancing policy commitments to transform lung cancer care and outcomes worldwide. By driving political prioritisation, we aim to embed lung cancer firmly within national and global health agendas.
3. Tackling policy barriers that hinder the effective implementation of lung cancer interventions. The Network’s commitment to identifying and – where possible – addressing obstacles that prevent progress ensures that innovations in screening, diagnosis and care can be translated into real-world impact. Effective implementation is also supported by the Network’s resources, such as the implementation framework, which offer practical guidance and case studies to help translate policy into action.
4. Serving as a global hub for shared learning and advocacy. By creating dynamic forums that connect stakeholders across every stage of the lung cancer care pathway, the Network is fostering a truly collaborative movement. These spaces enable the exchange of knowledge and expertise, helping to build a united, focused community.

With its vision, priorities and pillars, the Network recognises that the road ahead will require sustained collaboration to transform policy into action. But with the strong foundations laid in lung cancer policy in 2025, the lung cancer community is better positioned than ever to deliver lasting change.

Moving forward, there is energy and alignment across the world to ensure that lung cancer continues to rise on the global health agenda and that progress reaches every corner of care, from risk reduction to survivorship.