Lung Cancer Patient Needs in Different Countries

Abstract

Despite the advances that have been made in the last decades, lung cancer still represents one of the global health problems worldwide and most lung cancer patients have to deal with a number of unmet needs for which they require assistance. Lung cancer is considered an 'invisible' disease because of getting a low level of public attention. Regardless of its prevalence and the fact that it is one of the hardest cancers to diagnose and to treat, with a poor survival rate, it continues to be one of the most overlooked cancer type [1] and this sentiment is prevalent on a global scale. The poor outcomes of lung cancer and the persistent misconception that the majority of patients are smokers often generate a general negative perception and attitude toward this condition and a poor media coverage. The challenges and the needs in this area are multiple and for most lung cancer patients the assessment is a critical but important step in order to receive high quality of care. With an estimated 1.8 million new cases [2] and 1.59 million deaths per year, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the EU with 267,700 deaths recorded in 2012 and representing approximately 20% of all cancer deaths [3]. Despite the huge health, social and economic burden associated with lung cancer, it falls far behind other cancers in terms of research, patient support and timely access to innovative therapies. These disparities have a profound impact on patient's quality of life and overall survival.