Preliminary data from The Economist
Intelligence Unit Study on lung cancer policies is presented at the
European Cancer Forum, after conclusion of second phase of
research, covering 27 European countries.
MSD, tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
(NYSE: MRK), today presents preliminary results from a study
carried out by The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) on lung
cancer, which show a fragmented policy approach across Europe. The
study underlines that awareness needs to be addressed on multiple
fronts to fight the stigma associated with this disease and to
ensure patients receive timely access to the best possible care.
The data were presented days before the European Commission’s
official launch of the stakeholders’ consultation on Europe’s
Beating Cancer Plan.
“There is no room for complacency in lung cancer; 1 out of 5 of
all cancer deaths in Europe is caused by lung cancer and it kills
as many Europeans as breast, colon and prostate cancer combined.
The study uncovers actionable solutions to empower countries and
their health systems to better manage lung cancer, and ultimately,
improve the lives of people living with a diagnosis of this
treatable disease,” commented Mary Bussell, Associate at The
Economist Intelligence Unit.
The study shows that of the 27 countries participating, 15% (4
countries) do not have a National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP). 14
countries with existing NCCPs have not updated them within the past
five years, and only one has a lung cancer-specific control
plan.
National Lung Cancer Clinical Guidelines (NLCCGs) should include
timeframes for fast-tracking people suspected of having lung cancer
for diagnostic testing and provide a rapid referral for secondary
or tertiary treatment for those diagnosed with lung cancer.
Although 26 of the 27 countries covered in the study have national
clinical guidelines for lung cancer, discrepancies remain:
- 11 countries do not include fast-tracking of suspected lung
cancer patients to receive diagnostic testing;
- 12 do not include a timeframe within which diagnostic testing
should be given to suspected lung cancer patients;
- 15 do not include rapid referral to secondary or tertiary care,
once a diagnosis of lung cancer has been made; and
- 3 countries do not include fast-tracking for diagnosis within
timeframes or rapid referral to secondary or tertiary care in their
lung cancer clinical guidelines. However, they are included in
government policies, national agreements, or are mandated by
law.
“The presentation of this data is quite timely. While Europe has
agreed on the need for a European Cancer Plan, the study draws
attention to specific issues around lung cancer and its burden.
Clearly, prevention and health promotion have important roles to
play. At the same time, we know that early detection and fast
referral to treatment are crucial to improve patient outcomes -
lung cancer is a race against time. The study shows that we have
plenty of work to do there,” said Deepak Khanna, Senior Vice
President and Regional President Oncology for Europe, Middle East,
Africa and Canada, MSD.
“The data presented helps us understand the specificities of
lung cancer better. As we design a European Cancer Plan aiming at
reducing the cancer burden for patients, their families and health
systems, and addressing cancer related inequalities, it is
important to gather available information on best practices and
knowledge from research and clinical experience, that can help us
build a robust evidence base for better policy making”, added
Martin Seychell, Deputy Director General, DG SANTE, European
Commission.
About the Study
The study analysed 17 performance indicators across 27 countries
– Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy,
the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian
Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom. The indicators were categorised into five
domains focused on the degree to which a country considers lung
cancer to be a strategic priority and a public health issue,
ensures timely diagnostic and treatment services and the quality of
cancer registries which can help to facilitate high-quality
research. Each country received a score for all 17 indicators. Once
draft scores were assigned to each country, national workshops were
conducted with external country-based experts to discuss the
findings and develop recommendations for policy and programme
improvements. Preliminary results of the first phase of the study
were presented at the 2018 European Cancer Forum in Brussels. An
additional 16 countries are being analysed and the preliminary
results of this second phase were presented at the 2020 European
Cancer Forum in Brussels. The final report with a full analysis of
the results is expected in Spring 2020. The Economist Intelligence
Unit benchmarking study is supported by MSD. Editorial decisions
are the responsibility of The Economist Intelligence Unit.
About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer, which forms in the tissues of the lungs, usually
within cells lining the air passages, is the leading cause of
cancer death worldwide. According to WHO, in 2018 470,000 Europeans
were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 388,000 Europeans died of the
disease that year. The two main types of lung cancer are non-small
cell and small cell. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most
common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for about 10 to 15% of all
lung cancers.
About MSD
For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical
company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines
and vaccines for the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD is a
trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in
Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines,
vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work
with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver
innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to
increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies,
programmes and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the
forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of
diseases that threaten people and communities around the world. For
more information, visit www.MSD.com and connect with us on Twitter
@MSDInvents.
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