BREATHING IN A NEW ERA
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LUNG CANCER POLICIES ACROSS EUROPE
expect to always see a correlation between current outcomes and best practice—as measured by
the scorecard. However, because of the evidence base behind the scorecard, we would expect to see
improvements in lung cancer outcomes over time in countries that implement the scored policies.The report concludes with five regional calls to action:
An improvement in strategic planning and the means to collect data to inform it
National Cancer Control Plans and lung cancer specific control plans should be in place, regularly
updated and properly funded. These plans will form a basis on how a country addresses cancer care.
Countries with devolved health systems need to find workable solutions to ensure that the National
Cancer Control Plan can be adopted to ensure the delivery of equitable care across every region in a
country.A renewed focus on early detection, including an assessment of the pros and cons of a national
screening programme
Lung cancer guidelines should encompass clear referral pathways, timeframes and quality indicators.
Timeframes—often overlooked—must be embedded within the guidelines, as they serve as
benchmarks to evaluate performance. Time is of the essence for lung cancer patients, as referral and
diagnosis is often delayed. Similarly, screening programmes should be considered in an evidence-
based manner. Increased awareness and availability of screening services among the public and among
primary care providers may help to address unmet needs.Put patients front and centre, and ensure that they are heard by decision makers
Although many health systems have taken steps in the right direction, most countries could do more to
involve patients (and patient organisations) in decision making. The inclusion of patient organisations
in national assessments of disease and policy development can help to build consensus.Create systems to ensure sustainable and equitable access to innovations
Medical innovations and new technologies have added to the range of treatment options for lung
cancer patients; improved survival and better quality of life is within reach for some. Ensuring access
to biomarker testing and enabling patients to access innovative therapies will require new processes
and systems—possibly involving risk sharing. New innovations promise much, but stakeholders need to
work together to get them to patients.De-stigmatise the disease through education, awareness and compassion
Reducing negative attitudes and fatalistic thinking, while promoting anti-smoking efforts, can help
to reduce stigma at a professional level and in society at large. It is encouraging that several countries
are looking into how stigma and its associated barriers to good quality care can be reduced. Certainly,
other diseases with negative stigmas have been successfully de-stigmatised, including other cancers.
The strategies used for other diseases may be adapted for use in lung cancer. It is time that all people
with lung cancer are treated with compassion and dignity.