An international meeting organized by AEACaP, in collaboration with ICAPEM and with the support of the PharmaMar Foundation, highlighted the urgent need to raise awareness in women affected by this disease and to advance policies for diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive support.
The care of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in women is a major global challenge, as it is one of the most aggressive forms of lung cancer, affecting 15% of diagnoses and showing a growing incidence in women in recent years . In this context, medical experts and patient associations, both national and international, called for urgent measures during a meeting organized by the Spanish Association of People Affected by Lung Cancer (AEACaP), in collaboration with the Association for Research into Lung Cancer in Women (ICAPEM) and with the support of the PharmaMar Foundation.
The meeting highlighted that women with SCLC face obstacles in early diagnosis, as well as a lack of awareness about symptoms and inequalities in the access to advanced treatments. In addition, stigma persists, as the disease continues to be perceived as predominantly male, which renders an increasing number of affected women invisible.
Dr. Dolores Isla, president of ICAPEM and head of Medical Oncology at Lozano Blesa Hospital, states that: “Small cell lung cancer continues to be one of the great clinical challenges. In the case of women, its approach requires a more in-depth analysis, as there may be differences in their risk factors, clinical characteristics, progression and response to treatment. For this reason, we have launched the Clarisse project, with the aim of providing scientific evidence
that will help to better understand these characteristics and, in doing so, move towards a more accurate and equitable care.”
The meeting resulted in the approval of a Manifesto that identifies the main challenges faced by women diagnosed with SCLC and proposes specific lines of
action to improve their care. Among the main barriers are women’s lack of awareness about their own health, the frequent attribution of symptoms to causes such as stress or menopause and the role of caregivers that many women assume, which delays their seeking of medical attention. Bureaucracy in public systems and the shortage of primary care professionals with specific training in early detection were also noted.
The document highlights the importance of developing awareness campaigns, reducing diagnosis times to less than 30 days and promoting more agile multidisciplinary working models. It also focuses on the need to strengthen psychological and social support for patients, highlighting the role of specialized nurses and patient associations as key players.
“From patient associations, in this case AEACaP, we try to offer emotional support, we have mutual aid groups and services but we also work to ensure that all people diagnosed with lung cancer are aware of their rights and the range of treatment options available. In this regard, given that we have seen an increase in small cell lung cancer in women, we focus a significant part of our efforts on providing them with assistance, information and support, so that they do not feel alone in facing the disease,” says Bernard Gaspar, president of AEACaP.
Prevention is another pillar of the text, with a special focus on smoking and vaping, which are considered global challenges. Participants called for a change in society’s perception of tobacco and the adoption of measures such as tax increases, sales restrictions, and campaigns specifically targeting young people.
In the field of research, fairness, and public policies, the Manifesto denounces the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials, which creates biases that make it difficult to obtain reliable data on the efficacy and toxicity of treatments in women. It also warns of inequalities in access to diagnostic tests, innovative treatments, and clinical trials, both between countries and within the same territory.
The Manifesto was signed by participants from AEACaP, ICAPEM, LuCE (Lung Cancer Europe), Fundación Cáncer de Pulmón Argentina, Fundación Canaria de Cáncer de Pulmón and ALK France Lung Cancer, as well as oncologists and pulmonologists from various European countries: Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Austria. The meeting concluded with the drafting of 14 priority recommendations:
- Take into account the specific characteristics of women’s social situation to improve diagnosis and management.
- Consider the biological particularities of women to improve the approach to and treatment of of lung cancer.
- Help women overcome the double stigma of being diagnosed and causing suffering to their families.
- Ensure social and psychological support for women diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Change the myth that lung cancer is only a disease of older male smokers, as it is increasingly being detected in young women.
- Eliminate the feelings of guilt and shame associated with diagnosis.
- Raise awareness among primary care physicians about the early symptoms of lung cancer.
- Strengthen the role of specialized nurses as a bridge between the oncologist and the patient.
- Address social issues such as inequality and poverty, as well as location-related difficulties, for example, patients who must travel long distances to receive treatment.
- Implement preventive strategies tailored to younger generations.
- Treat vaping with the same seriousness as smoking.
- Reduce the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials.
- Draw inspiration from successful campaigns and projects in other countries to apply best practices.
- Actively include patients and associations in hospital committees and public decision-making.
About AEACAP
AEACaP is a non-profit organization, declared of public interest, created in December 2008 to help people diagnosed with lung cancer. It is the only association dedicated exclusively to this disease in Spain.
Its objectives include providing psychological and human support and legal advice; defending the rights of those affected and equitable access to healthcare services; promoting prevention and screening programs for early detection; promoting research to obtain more and better treatments that improve survival and quality of life; and carrying out informational activities to reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
About ICAPEM
The Association for Research into Lung Cancer in Women (ICAPEM) is a non-profit organization founded and formed by a group of specialists dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment
of lung cancer.
ICAPEM was created with the objectives of raising awareness about lung cancer among
women, as well as to provide support to patients and contribute to scientific progress
through research and training.
About the PharmaMar Foundation
The PharmaMar Foundation aims to disseminate, promote research, and scientific training. It is also committed to knowledge and the defense marine biodiversity to promote the development of science and medicine.
In the area of training, it considers it particularly important for society to be aware of the main advances in the field of research and health. To this end, the PharmaMar Foundation has various initiatives, such as a series of scientific conferences, and collaborates with different institutions and organizations to
disseminate information and specialized knowledge in the field of health and science.
Contact
Lara Vadillo – Communications Director at PharmaMar
+1 345-669-471803
Miriam Collados – Corporate Communications Manager at PharmaMar
+34 609 60 83 20
comunicacion@fundacionpharmamar.com