The Lung Ambition Alliance Middle East and Africa (LAA MEA) chapter has launched a new policy brief, calling for urgent action to tackle the increasing burden of lung cancer in the MEA region, with a strong emphasis on early disease detection.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with 2.21 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths annually, creating significant economic and social impacts. A lack of early detection and systematic approaches means that most lung cancer cases in MEA countries are diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to poor prognosis and high fatality rates of around 90%.

By addressing these critical issues with measures tailored to the regional context, the LAA MEA policy brief provides a framework aimed at initiating comprehensive screening programmes across the MEA region.

Key recommendations include prioritising lung cancer at the national level through task forces involving ministries of health, civil society, and patients. Culturally targeted initiatives are essential to address social biases and raise awareness of lung cancer risks and early detection benefits. Assessing the long-term cost-effectiveness of screening programmes is also crucial to supporting national investments in education, detection, and care. The brief further emphasises leveraging innovative technologies like advanced diagnostics, AI platforms, and software solutions to accelerate and expand lung cancer screening efforts.

Composed of leading experts from the MEA region, the LAA MEA Steering Committee issued these recommendations by adapting the Lung Cancer Policy Network (LCPN)’s framework to the regional context in order to better facilitate the implementation of lung cancer early detection programmes.

Dr. Ahmed Magdy, Assistant Professor in Medical Oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Egypt, stated, “Addressing lung cancer in Egypt and the broader Middle East and Africa is a mission close to my heart. While there's still a long road ahead, every step brings us closer to a future where lung cancer is tackled with knowledge and commitment..” Dr. Khaled Abdelaziz Kamal, Executive Director of the Presidential Initiative for Cancer Early Detection in Egypt, added, “Cross-sector collaboration and dialogue with international experts are our compass in navigating these challenges specific to our country and region.”

The LAA MEA members call on health authorities, academia, the private sector, and civil society to unite in addressing lung cancer in the MEA region. The policy brief emphasises the need for collaboration to implement its recommendations, improve patient outcomes, and reduce financial pressures on healthcare systems.

By establishing national strategies for early detection, improving access for vulnerable populations, and advocating for patient-centered policies, we can collectively combat the lung cancer burden in the MEA region.

About LAA MEA

The Lung Ambition Alliance (LAA) is a global coalition, with cross-discipline partners in over 50 countries dedicated to accelerating innovation and driving meaningful improvements for people with lung cancer. Established in September 2023, the LAA Middle East and Africa (MEA) Chapter aims to elevate lung cancer as a priority and drive local policy change by providing a platform for stakeholders, fostering collaborative approaches and knowledge sharing among countries, and increasing the visibility of global resources. Additionally, it seeks to guide the establishment of national lung cancer screening programmes, empower patients by amplifying their voices in policy discussions, and highlight common policy barriers while identifying practical solutions to build effective systems that enhance patient outcomes.