AstraZeneca leads the charge to transform Lung Cancer outcomes in Africa
In observance of World Lung Cancer Day, AstraZeneca has highlighted its groundbreaking initiatives aimed at improving lung cancer outcomes across the African continent. The global biopharmaceutical leader is spearheading innovative programs that tackle the devastating impact of this disease, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Lung cancer is a formidable foe, with an estimated 2 million diagnoses and 1.8 million deaths annually worldwide. The situation is particularly dire in Africa, where over 90 percent of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a dismal five-year survival rate of less than 1 percent. This stark reality is driven by limited access to advanced medical care and the urgent need for earlier detection.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2020, the incidence of lung cancer varies significantly across different regions of Africa. In South Africa, the rates are 27.5 and 9.3 per 100,000 for males and females, respectively.
In North Africa, the figures are 19.3 and 3.5, while in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi) the rates are 4.2 and 3.0. Middle Africa sees 3.4 and 1.8, and in West Africa, the rates are 2.8 and 1.8 per 100,000 for males and females.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, AstraZeneca has launched a series of groundbreaking initiatives to address the lung cancer crisis in Africa. These innovative programs focus on early detection, collaborative care, and expanding access to advanced diagnostics and treatments.
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The Connect to Care initiative, developed in partnership with Axios International, is designed to streamline the diagnostic journey for lung cancer patients. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration with local medical associations, including the Kenya Association of Clinical Pathologists, Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology, and Kenya Association of Radiologists, the program ensures timely and accurate diagnoses – a critical first step in the path to effective treatment.
The Diagnostic Patient Navigation programme further supports patients from the initial suspicion of lung cancer through to a confirmed diagnosis. This comprehensive initiative facilitates access to diagnostic facilities, provides essential information to empower patients, and ensures the proper handling and delivery of tissue specimens for EGFR testing in Kenya. EGFR gene mutation is a crucial biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis, guiding targeted therapy treatment options.
AstraZeneca has also taken bold steps to address the fragmented cancer diagnostic landscape in Africa. In partnership with the Aga Khan University Hospital, the company has supported the installation of EGFR testing capabilities, creating a referral network to streamline diagnosis and treatment pathways.
Furthermore, AstraZeneca has commenced molecular testing in Nigeria, marking a significant advancement in oncology care in the region. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, aims to provide precise lung cancer diagnoses to countless patients. The program includes training key pathologists and healthcare professionals and officially commissioning EGFR testing in Abuja.
Deepak Arora, AstraZeneca’s African Cluster Country President, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to transforming lung cancer outcomes in Africa. “Our mission at AstraZeneca is to bridge the gap in lung cancer care across the continent. By improving access to diagnostics and treatments, we aim to change the trajectory of this devastating disease and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and effective care.”
Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director at AstraZeneca, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Early detection and precise diagnosis are pivotal 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, ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve.”
World Lung Cancer Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against this formidable disease. Through increased awareness, early detection, and equitable access to advanced treatments, AstraZeneca is leading the charge to change the landscape of lung cancer care in Africa.
By working collaboratively with local medical associations, healthcare providers, and patient advocacy groups, AstraZeneca is poised to make a lasting impact. Their commitment to innovative solutions and patient-centric approaches is a testament to their unwavering dedication to improving outcomes and saving lives.
As the world unites to commemorate World Lung Cancer Day, AstraZeneca’s initiatives in Africa stand as beacons of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of science-driven solutions and the relentless pursuit of better health for all.
