We are thrilled to announce the organisations selected to receive grants from Round 5 of our Initiatives in Lung Cancer Care (ILC²) programme. At the Lung Ambition Alliance (LAA), we stand alongside these incredible organisations in their commitment to address the unmet needs of lung cancer patients in their communities.

ILC² is the LAA’s grants programme designed to address critical gaps in lung cancer care globally by supporting local organisations dedicated to this cause. This year, awardees include organisations such as those in Morocco, working to raise awareness of screening and other prevention strategies; in South Africa, supporting patients as they navigate their lung cancer journey after diagnosis; and in Australia, assisting patients in their survivorship care plans.

Lung cancer is the most commonly occurring and deadliest cancer worldwide,^1,2 with one of the lowest five-year survival rates among all cancers globally.³ This is why we are dedicated to improving patients' lives and eliminating lung cancer as a cause of death worldwide.

While the scientific community has achieved breakthroughs in lung cancer care – including the introduction of more effective screening technologies, the implementation of screening programmes around the world and innovative personalised treatments for non-small cell lung cancer - access to care has been unequal, especially in low- and middle-income countries. For example, fewer than 30% of patients in low-income countries diagnosed with cancer have access to treatment, versus 90% in high-income countries.⁴

This year, the Review Committee selected eight diverse projects across Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America to improve lung cancer care for patients in need.

See below for full details of our ILC² recipients in 2024^*:

Organisation: Association Dar Zhor
Project Title: National Awareness Campaign on the Importance of Prevention and Targeted Screening for Lung Cancer
Country: Morocco
Project Overview: The programme’s goal is to raise awareness about lung cancer and promote early diagnosis among at-risk populations in Morocco, to lower its mortality rate. It will utilise social media and the network of pulmonologists in Morocco to achieve this goal.

Organisation: Campaigning for Cancer NPC
Project Title: My Cancer Guide – Patient Navigation Network
Country: South Africa
Project Overview: Fika Phila’s focus is to eliminate transportation barriers to care. Partnering treatment facilities can order essential transport services for patients, including non-emergency cases between facilities, at a subsidised cost. The goal is to ensure every South African lung cancer patient receives transportation according to their needs.

Organisation: Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria Asociación Civil (IECS)
Project Title: Redesigning Lung Cancer Care with a Focus on Value
Country: Argentina
Project Overview: Hoping to revamp the initial phase of lung cancer care model, this project will look to improve patient outcomes, enhance care experiences, and reduce healthcare costs. By adjusting payment models, minimising waste, and enhancing quality and accessibility, the goal is to create a more efficient and effective care continuum.

Organisation: Instituto Oncoguia
Project Title: Lung Cancer: A New Reality
Country: Brazil
Project Overview: To enhance Brazil's lung cancer network, a national campaign will be launched, providing comprehensive information on diagnosis, treatment, and care, as well as ambassador training to combat the stigma associated with the disease.

Organisation: Lung Foundation Australia
Project Title: Survivorship Planning and Care for People Impacted by Lung Cancer
Country: Australia
Project Overview: The overarching ambition of this project is to enhance support and outcomes for lung cancer survivors as well as their families across the entire patient journey, managing ongoing care, promoting self-management, and aiding decision-making regarding treatment, lung care, well-being and survivorship from diagnosis and beyond.

Organisation: Polskie Amazonki Ruch Społeczny
Project Title: Lung Cancer Patients in Poland – About Them and for Them!
Country: Poland
Project Overview: The project’s mission is to shift perceptions of lung cancer patients in Poland, combatting the stigma associated with the disease, typically linked to low-income smokers. By amplifying patient voices supported by research, they become influential advocates in conversations with decision-makers.

Organisation: Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Project Title: Let’s Talk Lung Cancer
Country: United Kingdom
Project Overview: This project engages communities to raise awareness of risks, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. It is designed to drive cultural change in perceptions of lung cancer, encouraging people to participate in screening for high-risk groups and seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms.

Organisation: Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe
Project Title: Medical Technology and Devices (MTD) National Psychoeducational Programme for People with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and Caregivers
Country: Italy
Project Overview: In Italy, lung cancer patients lack sufficient information, treatment options, and support to enhance their quality of life. This project will host regional meetings where patients can interact with specialists involved in their treatment, including radiotherapists, endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists, physiatrists, and association representatives. These gatherings will facilitate knowledge-sharing, foster experience exchange, and address challenges faced by patients.

*This list is accurate and complete as of March 2024, subject to final verification.

Now in its fifth year, ILC² has supported charitable and non-profit services to address gaps and challenges in lung cancer service delivery worldwide. Since the inception of this programme in 2020, more than $3.2 million has been awarded to organisations in 28 countries to address remaining gaps along the entire patient journey. Applications are assessed against several criteria, including their ambition, scope, impact and potential for scaling or replication in other settings.