This article was authored by Michael Lai, Global Franchise Head, Lung Cancer Franchise AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca is a founding partner of the Lung Ambition Alliance.

Although the burden of lung cancer varies among different countries due to divergent risk factors, such as the prevalence of smoking, environmental pollution, and even dietary habits, internationally, the  incidence of lung cancer continues to rise. Momentum has been building throughout the lung cancer community to address the growing global disease burden. Among these ongoing efforts are a series of collaborative multisector discussions on how we can collectively and equitably improve early detection of lung cancer.

A transformative era for global lung health is dawning as the World Health Organization (WHO) has published its landmark Lung Health Resolution for adoption at the upcoming World Health Assembly. This Resolution represents a pivotal moment, recognizing the urgent need to prioritize and integrate a holistic lung health approach to address a spectrum of lung diseases, including lung cancer.

The framework centers around strengthening primary healthcare, combating air pollution, promoting early detection, and ensuring equitable access to quality care, areas of critical importance to the Lung Ambition Alliance. Crucially, the Resolution underscores the importance of patient-centered care, prioritizing the perspectives of lung cancer patients and their caregivers at every stage, ensuring their voices shape prevention, diagnosis, planning, and implementation.

This WHO position provides a powerful and timely catalyst for national governments to re-evaluate their existing care models and identify opportunities to adapt policies and clinical practice. By adopting this Resolution, governments can unlock a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, particularly in areas critical to improving lung cancer outcomes through prevention and care. Among the recommendations included, the LAA supports the call for integrated national policies to create a framework for prioritizing lung cancer screening programs, ensuring equitable access to diagnostic and treatment services, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration to address risk factors. Early detection is simply essential to improving lung cancer survival rates and quality of life.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, accounting for 1.8 million deaths in 2022.¹ Adding to this immense burden, lung cancer emerged as the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with an estimated 2.5 million diagnoses as of 2022.^1,2 A staggering 69% of these lung cancer deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).³ This highlights the disproportionate burden faced by LMICs and reinforces the critical importance of the Resolution's pledge for global lung health equity, particularly its emphasis on improving access to affordable diagnostics in resource-limited settings.

The Resolution's emphasis on cost-effective approaches to cancer care paves the way for broader and more equitable access to screening, diagnosis, and care. Identifying synergies across existing health systems can lead to earlier diagnosis of lung cancer, as resources and infrastructure are leveraged more effectively.

This is where the LAA’s commitment to accelerating innovative solutions, including advancements in lung cancer screening technologies and novel diagnostic approaches, becomes crucial. Efforts to develop and implement innovative screening tools, including LAA’s recent partnership with Qure.AI, contribute to the Resolution's stated goal of improving access to affordable diagnostics by advocating for and supporting the development and implementation of cost-effective, accessible screening programs, particularly in LMICs. Tools such as the Lung Cancer Policy Network’s "Lives Saved map" help demonstrate the tangible impact of effective screening programs.

The LAA is committed to working with governments, healthcare providers, and patient advocates to translate this Resolution into tangible action. Our focus remains on:

• Accelerating Early Detection: Championing innovative screening programs and diagnostic tools to catch lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
• Ensuring Equitable Access: Advocating for policies that guarantee all patients, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, have access to quality care and innovative treatments.
• Driving Innovation: Supporting research and development of new therapies and diagnostic approaches to improve patient outcomes.

By embracing this WHO Resolution and working collaboratively, we can forge a future where lung health is prioritized globally, and the devastating impact of lung cancer is alleviated.

Authored by Michael Lai,
Global Franchise Head, Lung Cancer Franchise, AstraZeneca