Using the Network's framework to facilitate lung cancer screening in Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific Coalition against Lung Cancer and ASPIRE for Lung Cancer worked with the Lung Cancer Policy Network to use the Network’s framework to advance screening in Asia Pacific. The framework served as the basis for two workshops exploring the challenges of implementing screening programmes in the region.
 

Context

Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest in Asia, accounting for 60% of new cases and 62% of related deaths. This highlights the importance of improving prevention and early detection efforts. When lung cancer is detected earlier, survival rates increase. Screening programmes across the Asia-Pacific region vary significantly due to differences in health systems, lung cancer risk factors and socioeconomic conditions. The region includes areas equipped with state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and cancer care as well as locations where basic access to health services is insufficient. These factors require context-specific approaches to planning and implementing screening strategies as part of overall cancer control and to achieve earlier detection.

To help address these issues and provide a pathway for implementation, the Asia Pacific Coalition against Lung Cancer (APCLC) and the Network utilised the lung cancer screening framework to organise two workshops:

• The first one focused on identifying key implementation challenges in the region and developing recommendations based on collaborative discussions.
• The second workshop focused on the practical aspects of screening, including eligibility and recruitment, and workforce and technical capacity.

How the framework was used to support the implementation of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening

The framework served as the basis for both workshops.

The first workshop – co-hosted by the APCLC and the Network – brought together leading experts to identify and address common challenges associated with the implementation of lung cancer screening throughout the region.

The six domains of the framework – Governance, Workforce & Technical Capacity, Financial Planning, Eligibility & Recruitment, and Data Monitoring & Evaluation – informed the development of a prioritisation survey to identify obstacles attendees might encounter in establishing a screening programme. Survey responses guided the selection of discussion topics:

• Building awareness of screening and its benefits (Governance)
• Making lung cancer a policy priority (Governance)
• Securing financial investment for lung cancer screening (Financial Planning)
• Optimising workforce capacity for screening (Workforce & Technical Capacity).

During the workshop, the framework was used as a practical tool to facilitate dialogue and optimise strategies for implementing screening. Questions derived from the framework were tailored to align with the discussion topics, and these acted as prompts to ensure comprehensive coverage, utilising a holistic health systems perspective.

Based on discussions using the framework, APCLC and the Network developed a set of policy recommendations aimed at accelerating the adoption and effective implementation of lung cancer screening programmes in the region.

Building on this foundation, the second workshop – co-hosted by APCLC, the Network and ASPIRE for Lung Cancer – applied the framework more narrowly, concentrating on two high-priority domains: Eligibility & Recruitment, and Workforce & Technical Capacity. The workshop participants were from countries at various stages of screening programme development, and the framework’s flexibility allowed questions to be adapted for diverse contexts, enabling peer-to-peer learning and practical exchange. This approach ensured that the discussions remained focused and actionable, while still grounded in the broader structure of the framework.

Together, the workshops demonstrated the framework’s value not only as a planning tool but also as a mechanism for fostering collaboration and generating region-specific insights. As more countries consider implementing screening programmes, the framework continues to serve as a resource for effective and context-sensitive implementation.
 

Next steps

In August 2025, ASPIRE for Lung Cancer and APCLC jointly issued a regional consensus statement. This document offers targeted policy guidance for the Asia-Pacific region, including specific recommendations to enhance lung cancer screening efforts. As more countries in the region consider implementing screening programmes, the framework serves as a valuable resource to support effective and optimal implementation.