2024 Asia Conference on Lung Cancer (ACLC) - Poster & ePosters-PP02.26

PP02.26 - Judy Yi Ting Li

Pdf Summary

The paper "Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Lung Cancer Care and Access in the APAC Region" by William Brown, Judy Li, Ariel Lim, and Yan Yan Soo explores the complex issues surrounding lung cancer in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, highlighting challenges in healthcare systems, economic and social burdens, and access to care.<br /><br />### Key Findings:<br />1. **Impact and Burden**: Lung cancer significantly affects individuals, families, and societies in the APAC region, incurring substantial psychological and economic costs. Lower-middle-income countries in Asia bear 60% of global cases.<br /><br />2. **Gaps in Healthcare Systems**: Only Australia and Taiwan have dedicated lung cancer control plans, while other nations integrate lung cancer strategies into broader non-communicable disease plans, often lacking specific focus. Dedicated plans are essential for improving early detection, patient outcomes, and reducing mortality.<br /><br />3. **Political Commitment**: Strong political will is necessary for effective lung cancer control. Successful examples include Hong Kong and Singapore's stringent tobacco control measures, while challenges persist in Japan and Indonesia due to fragmented policies and high tobacco use.<br /><br />4. **Screening and Detection**: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is crucial but underutilized, especially in LMICs, due to economic and infrastructural constraints. Programs in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan showcase effective lung cancer screenings.<br /><br />5. **Advancements and Disparities**: The paper notes significant advancements in genomics and targeted therapies but points out disparities in access due to financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure.<br /><br />### Recommendations:<br />- Establish comprehensive, lung-cancer-specific plans.<br />- Implement widespread population-based screening programs.<br />- Enhance access to diagnostics and treatments.<br />- Strengthen political commitment and leadership.<br />- Improve infrastructure and workforce training.<br /><br />The paper emphasizes continuous strategic investments and cross-sector collaboration to bridge the gaps in lung cancer care, advocating for sustainable funding models and more robust policy frameworks in the APAC region.

Keywords

lung cancer

APAC region

healthcare challenges

economic burden

screening programs

political commitment

LDCT screening

genomics advancements

tobacco control

policy frameworks