Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for 80-85 percent of lung cancer cases, and small cell lung cancer, which accounts for 10-15 percent of cases. While the number of new lung cancer cases continues to decrease, largely due to smoking cessation efforts, avoidance of risk factors, and advances in early detection and treatment, lung cancer continues to make up nearly 25 percent of all cancer deaths.
Fragmentation in the U.S. healthcare system can impede consistent and equitable access to lung cancer care. Gaps in the quality of lung cancer care delivery persists in certain patient populations resulting in suboptimal outcomes. As such, ACCC continues to focus its efforts on developing comprehensive resources for multidisciplinary cancer care teams and patient advocates to better support patients with lung cancer, eliminate disparities related to access and treatment, and access best practice recommendations for improved quality care.
ACCC offers diverse educational resources, digital tools and publications that address the complex challenges in delivering quality lung cancer care.
ACCC conducted patient and provider surveys to determine how to raise awareness about best practices in treating patients with small cell lung cancer. The surveys were used to identify and better understand the gaps and potential disconnects in the patient/provider relationship.
Through the development and facilitation of both patient and provider surveys, ACCC will highlight the patient experience, dispel myths and misconceptions, breakdown guideline-discordant treatment plans, and identify and uncover barriers, gaps, and challenges to obtaining optimal care.
