WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-EP.04.08 Building Policy Recommendations Using an Implementation Framework for Low-Dose Computed Tomography Screening

Pdf Summary

The Lung Cancer Policy Network and Asia Pacific Coalition Against Lung Cancer (APCLC) collaborated to advance lung cancer screening implementation in the Asia-Pacific region, which bears around 60% of new global lung cancer cases and 62% of deaths. Despite strong evidence from Western studies like NELSON and NLST, Asia-Pacific faces unique challenges including different risk profiles, diverse health systems, and varied socioeconomic contexts.<br /><br />In October 2024, a workshop held during the Asia Conference on Lung Cancer gathered over 40 delegates from 10+ countries to discuss shared priorities and challenges. Discussions focused on four thematic areas: raising public awareness with culturally sensitive communication; positioning lung cancer screening as a national health priority through policy alignment and local data advocacy; ensuring sustainable funding via inclusion in universal health coverage and public-private partnerships; and building a skilled, well-resourced workforce supported by training and digital tools.<br /><br />Key policy recommendations emerging from the workshop include improving awareness among policymakers and the public on the benefits of early detection; fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to share data and support decision-making; initiating local research into the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of screening programs; and adopting a systems approach to implementation that addresses capacity gaps informed by regional data.<br /><br />The workshop followed a prior webinar showcasing lung cancer screening initiatives in Australia, India, Singapore, and South Korea, highlighting region-specific challenges such as India’s high costs, low awareness, workforce shortages, and limited screening centers, which necessitate targeted identification of high-risk groups and biomarker use.<br /><br />Next steps include a follow-up session at the 2025 Asia Conference on Lung Cancer to build on these priorities. Overall, the collaboration aims to develop regionally tailored lung cancer screening programs that reflect Asia’s distinct epidemiology and healthcare contexts, ultimately reducing the burden of lung cancer across the Asia-Pacific region.

Asset Subtitle

Helena Wilcox

Meta Tag

Speaker Helena Wilcox

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

Lung Cancer Policy Network

Asia Pacific Coalition Against Lung Cancer

lung cancer screening

Asia-Pacific region

NELSON study

NLST study

public awareness

health policy

universal health coverage

workforce training