Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Poland, and a recent report from the Swedish Institute for Health Economics (IHE) sheds light on significant changes in its prevalence. While the number of new cases among men has decreased by 22% since 2000, the incidence among women has surged by a staggering 95%.
A Concerning Rise Among Women
The report, titled “Cancer Dashboard for Poland – Lung Cancer,” highlights the alarming rise in lung cancer cases among Polish women. This increase contrasts sharply with the trend observed in men and points to a significant shift in risk dynamics. Despite improvements in survival rates over the past five years, Poland still lags behind countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Austria.
One of the key findings of the report is the gap in access to innovative treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. In Poland, the pathway from diagnosis to treatment remains longer than in most Western European countries, and only about 35% of lung cancer treatment centers have the necessary accreditation for advanced diagnostic procedures.
To address these challenges, experts call for a standardized patient pathway and broader access to the latest treatments. Reducing delays in diagnosis and ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge therapies are essential to improving lung cancer outcomes in Poland.