Lung Cancer

The most important cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking which, although decreasing in high-income countries, is increasing in low-middle income countries including South Africa. Other risk factors for lung cancer include older age, family history, occupational and environmental exposure to certain substances, pollution and some lung diseases including Tuberculosis and HIV.²

Advances in lung cancer treatment and diagnosis over the last 12 years have led to an improvement in survival rates.³ 

Possible treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and newer therapies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy.^2,3

Some of the barriers causing delayed treatment of South African lung cancer patients are:² 

• Lack of availability of chemotherapeutic agents
• Lack of access to newer drugs 
• High cost of newer drugs
• Late presentation of patients

One of the priorities of the National Cancer Strategic Framework for South Africa is to improve access to treatment by reducing financial, geographic, logistical and socio-cultural barriers.⁴ 

Sandoz South Africa has a growing portfolio of generic oncology medications used to treat and support lung cancer patients, including products currently listed on the WHO List of Essential Medicines.^5,6 We are committed to improving both affordability and access to high-quality generic medications for South African lung cancer patients and healthcare providers.⁵