2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.04B.01 Evidence Based Communication on Lung Cancer Screening to Political Decision Makers

Pdf Summary

The document outlines an evidence-based approach to communicating the benefits of lung cancer screening (LCS) to political decision-makers, highlighting the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to reduce lung cancer mortality. Despite the strong clinical evidence supporting LCS, translating this into policy commitments has been limited. Effective communication with policymakers is deemed crucial to bridge this gap. The document exemplifies successful engagement, as seen in Europe, where LCS implementation has accelerated and the EU Council included lung cancer in its 2022 screening recommendations.<br /><br />The analysis identifies common concerns that hinder policymaker commitment, including false positives, costs, eligibility criteria, unnecessary interventions, and radiation dose. Tailored responses are suggested to address these concerns: clarifying the distinction between indeterminate and positive findings, demonstrating cost-effectiveness through comparisons with the burden of late-stage cancers, illustrating the starting eligibility criteria with high-risk populations, explaining that not all interventions lead to unnecessary outcomes, and stating the minimal radiation exposure comparable to a long-haul flight.<br /><br />The document emphasizes that translating scientific evidence into policies requires addressing the backgrounds and beliefs of decision-makers through well-crafted communication. Engaging various stakeholders, such as medical organizations, patient representatives, and clinical experts, plays a significant role in this process. <br /><br />The analysis extends to the EU council's recommendation process and progress in LCS implementation, noting crucial dates from 2011's publication of evidence to 2022’s policy recommendations. Funded by key industry players and guided by The Health Policy Partnership, the Lung Cancer Policy Network, a global multi-stakeholder initiative, seeks to provide non-promotional, evidence-based outputs, representing a collective effort to improve lung cancer screening policy.

Asset Subtitle

Sebastian Schmidt

Meta Tag

Speaker Sebastian Schmidt

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

lung cancer screening

low-dose computed tomography

policy communication

EU Council recommendations

false positives

cost-effectiveness

eligibility criteria

radiation exposure

stakeholder engagement

Lung Cancer Policy Network