Lung cancer management in low and middle-income countries - current challenges and potential solutions

Abstract

Lung cancer is the second-most prevalent cancer and, the most common cause of cancer-related mortality throughout the world. Evidence-based strategies to decrease its incidence and mortality are being implemented in different parts of the world. Smoking cessation policies are being actively publicized to decrease the incidence of tobacco related cancers including lung cancer. Screening program for early detection of localized lung cancer which can then be targeted by a multimodality approach utilizing surgery, radiation, chemoimmunotherapy to achieve cure is now becoming the standard in several high-income countries. Precision medicine in lung cancer is booming with metastatic non-curative cancers targeted with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, these advancements are not available all around the world. Inequalities exist in the management of lung cancer, mostly driven by the economic differences between the countries. Raising awareness to these international barriers is pivotal for improving lung cancer related incidence and mortality.