By Chinenye Anuforo
AstraZeneca in recognition of World Lung Cancer Day yesterday, highlighted the alarming reality of lung cancer in Africa, where over 90% of cases are detected at advanced stages. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for improved early detection and access to advanced treatments.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with devastating consequences for patients and their families. In Africa, the burden of the disease is particularly severe due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, awareness, and diagnostic facilities.
To address this critical challenge, AstraZeneca in a press statement to Daily Sun disclosed the company has implemented several groundbreaking programs aimed at enhancing early detection and access to advanced treatments. The Connect to Care initiative, developed in collaboration with Axios International and local medical associations, improves diagnostic pathways for lung cancer patients through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Additionally, the Diagnostic Patient Navigation program supports patients from initial suspicion to confirmed diagnosis, ensuring timely access to diagnostic facilities and essential information. AstraZeneca has also invested in EGFR testing capabilities in Kenya and Nigeria, providing crucial biomarkers for targeted therapies.
“Our mission is to transform the landscape of lung cancer care in Africa by bridging the gap in access to diagnostics and treatments,” said Deepak Arora, African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca. “We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote early detection and patient advocacy, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and effective care.”
Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director at AstraZeneca, emphasized the importance of early detection and precise diagnosis in improving lung cancer outcomes. “Our initiatives are designed to streamline the diagnostic pathway and enhance patient care. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to bring advanced diagnostic capabilities to more regions,” she said.
World Lung Cancer Day serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against this formidable disease. Through awareness, early detection, and equitable access to advanced treatments, AstraZeneca is committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for lung cancer patients in Africa.