1st Lung Cancer Europe Report
Challenges in lung cancer in Europe
Published November 2016
Published at a time when targeted treatments and immunotherapy were beginning to change lung cancer care, the report looked at both the opportunities these advances were creating and the barriers preventing people from benefiting from them equally.
It brought together European lung cancer data, published research, expert perspectives and lived experience to identify where change was needed. It also set out recommendations for policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and industry.
312,000+
people diagnosed with lung cancer each year in the EU at the time of publication
Around 70%
diagnosed with advanced or metastatic lung cancer
Around 20%
of all cancer deaths in the EU were caused by lung cancer
Figures reflect the data available when the report was published in 2016.What the report looked at
Earlier diagnosis
Delays in diagnosis, unequal diagnostic resources and the need for earlier detection.
Molecular testing and treatment
The growing role of EGFR and ALK testing, targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
Access to treatment
Differences across Europe in access to innovative medicines and reimbursement.
Living with lung cancer
Quality of life, support, information and the needs of caregivers.
“Diagnostic resources are not equal across Europe,
not even within countries.”
The report highlighted significant inequalities in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment across Europe. Access to newer treatments varied between countries, while molecular testing was becoming increasingly important in deciding which treatments could be appropriate.
What Lung Cancer Europe called for
Earlier diagnosis
Faster referral from primary care, greater awareness of symptoms and better screening for people at higher risk.
Equal access to treatment
Faster and fairer access to effective lung cancer treatments across Europe, including new medicines and clinical research.
Better quality of life
Multidisciplinary care, reliable information, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and access to palliative care.
More lung cancer research
Greater investment in research, including screening, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Where the Annual Reports began
Published in 2016, Challenges in lung cancer in Europe was the first in what became Lung Cancer Europe’s annual series of reports examining the experiences, needs and priorities of people affected by lung cancer across Europe.
Challenges in lung cancer in Europe
1st Lung Cancer Europe Report, 2016