Transforming lung cancer policy into action:

In November 2025, the Lung Cancer Policy Network, the Asia Pacific Coalition against Lung Cancer (APCLC) and Asia Pacific Policy Review and Engagement (ASPIRE) for Lung Cancer hosted a webinar exploring how to transform lung cancer policy into action in the Asia-Pacific region. This informative session brought together a panel of regional experts who shared insights and experiences of driving change in lung cancer care.

Asia Pacific reports the highest incidence of lung cancer in the world. The region faces unique challenges, with varying risk factors and health systems across different economic and social settings. But as the webinar made clear, collaboration and innovation are driving real progress.

The webinar outlined recent developments in lung cancer policy with a particular focus on  the Asia Pacific Lung Cancer Policy Consensus. Panellists discussed how to implement the five principles of the consensus statement into practice: improve and expand prevention, focus on early detection, ensure equitable access to treatment, build partnerships and promote investment, and combat stigma.

‘Given the number of cases of lung cancer in people who do not smoke, the message “anyone with lungs can get lung cancer” is a powerful and essential tool for raising awareness across the region.’ – Sewanti Limaye

‘In countries where LDCT screening cannot be swiftly deployed, AI-assisted X-rays offer a promising and adaptable alternative to enhance early detection in the short to medium term.’– Yeon Wook Kim

‘Eliminating stigma remains a significant challenge – we must invest in education and empower people, especially those who do not smoke.’ – Francis Goh

‘Multilateral collaboration is vital in shaping lung cancer policy – bringing diverse voices together fosters shared understanding and unites efforts toward a common goal.’ – Judy Li

‘As we push for earlier detection, we must not forget those still being diagnosed at later stages. Ensuring timely access to treatment for them is just as critical as transforming the long-term outlook.’ – Helena Wilcox

We would like to thank webinar attendees as well as the expert panellists and speakers. Their stories and insights underscored the power of regional collaboration and the urgent need for action.

• Herbert Loong, Clinical Associate Professor, Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
• William Brown, Consortium Director, ASPIRE for Lung Cancer, Singapore
• Judy Li, Consortium Manager, ASPIRE for Lung Cancer, Hong Kong
• Yeon Wook Kim, Assistant Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
• Sewanti Limaye, Director of Medical & Precision Oncology and Director of Clinical & Translational Oncology Research, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, India
• Helena Wilcox, Associate Director of Research and Policy, Network Lead, Lung Cancer Policy Network, The Health Policy Partnership, UK
• Francis Goh, patient advocate, Lung Cancer Education and Advocacy for Patients, Singapore