Although it is one of the most prevalent cancers (it causes 8.400 deaths annually), there is no national public policy. Learn about the study here
A recent IECS report, released on World Cancer Day, indicates that lung cancer - unlike breast, colorectal, cervical and other cancers - does not have a national program that allows for early detection and equitable access to timely treatment. "Developing a national program for prevention, early detection and timely treatment of this disease can make a substantial difference, as it would contribute to a longer survival of patients, reduce costs and decrease inequalities in access to health," explained the IECS. Dr. Andrea Alcaraz, coordinator of Health Technology Assessment at IECS and one of the researchers of this study, which was funded by the AstraZeneca laboratory.
The importance of having a national program lies in the fact that this public policy would favor early detection, which can change the prognosis, allowing access to potentially curative treatments. “It can contribute to a longer survival of patients, reduce costs and diminish inequalities in access to health,” the research team concluded.
“Prevention and early detection of lung cancer is not only a health imperative, but also an economic one,” stressed Dr. Carla Colaci, a researcher at IECS. She added: “The cost of treating this disease in advanced stages is 16 times higher than what the national government invests in the prevention and control of all chronic non-communicable diseases combined. Urgent action is needed and a national strategy is developed to address this problem.”
International experience shows that early detection programs can have a positive impact on reducing mortality and improving the quality of life of those affected. In Argentina, only two provinces (Misiones and Corrientes) have currently carried out pilot experiences implementing provincial programs and there are initiatives in private institutions, but there is still no comprehensive national strategy.
A problem of equity and access
The research also indicates that most cases of lung cancer in Argentina are detected in advanced stages, which requires more expensive treatments and a lower life expectancy. In addition, the disease more frequently affects those with fewer socioeconomic resources, who tend to access diagnosis at late stages. “This shows that the most disadvantaged sectors are the most affected by the lack of an early detection strategy,” said Valentina Stacco, a graduate in communications and member of the research team.
IECS developed a platform to disseminate various materials on this disease See in: www.iecs.org.ar/cancer-de-pulmon.
Source: Press release World Cancer Day: Study warns of a critical gap in cancer care, which causes the most deaths in Argentina.