Every 14 seconds, someone is diagnosed with lung cancer. 1 Today, the definition of lung cancer is very different than it was 20 years ago. What was once treated as a single condition is now recognized as a heterogeneous disease composed of numerous subtypes that function differently. 2-5 Our growing understanding of science means that people can now undergo biomarker testing and receive treatments tailored to specific genetic characteristics or immune pathways.

Advances have changed the meaning of a lung cancer diagnosis. Long-term survival is now a reality for some people rather than just a possibility. 5-6 While we are making important strides against lung cancer, progress has been slower compared to other cancers. Sadly, many people still face a poor prognosis and do not receive the best care they could receive.

The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the more likely treatments are to be effective. This means patients can live longer. 3.7

Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that could delay the diagnosis and treatment of people with lung cancer. 8

Absence of symptoms

The absence of symptoms in the early stages of the disease makes it difficult to detect. When symptoms do occur, they are often nonspecific and could be confused with other diseases.

Preventive detection

Preventive screening could identify lung cancer at a much earlier stage and has been shown to reduce mortality by almost a quarter in high-risk individuals. However, very few countries have preventive lung cancer screening programs. 8-10

Stigma

Diagnosis may be delayed due to the stigma and fear associated with lung cancer, sometimes related to a history of smoking. This can prevent people from seeking medical help, even if they have symptoms. 8

Geography

Disparities in health care across countries and regions indicate that some people have limited or no access to innovative services that support early intervention in lung cancer, such as preventive screening, testing, and treatment. 8

One of the most important things we can do is find the best treatment for each person with lung cancer. The discovery of specific mutations and immune pathways has transformed the way some patients are treated. 3, 5 However, many people still need new options. We must continue to expand our understanding of how lung cancer works in order to discover potential new treatments. Given our current understanding of the complexity of the disease, comprehensive biomarker testing for diagnosis is essential to quickly and accurately identify each patient's subtype and refer them to the optimal treatment as quickly as possible.

As pioneers in new ways to detect lung cancer, we can provide more accurate and timely results to help find the right treatment for the patient, as well as monitor treatment performance and detect resistance.

Our teams are working tirelessly to redefine the future of clinical care and ensure that every person diagnosed with this disease receives the care they need. To make a real difference, we must collaborate with the entire community to understand, recognize, and address the most significant challenges facing patients. Through continued progress in early diagnosis, innovative testing, and treatment methods, we can help redefine this disease.

References

8. University of California San Francisco. Hemophilia Signs and Symptoms. [Online]. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/hemophilia/ signs_and_symptoms.html. [Accessed March 2016]. 

9. University of California San Francisco. Hemophilia Signs and Symptoms. [Online]. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/hemophilia/ signs_and_symptoms.html. [Accessed March 2016]. 

10. University of California San Francisco. Hemophilia Signs and Symptoms. [Online]. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/hemophilia/ signs_and_symptoms.html. [Accessed March 2016].

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