Lung cancer has many voices – listen to them!
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the number one cause of cancer death. It not only affects smokers: data from Caucasian patients shows that 15% of all lung cancer patients have never smoked, and the number of diagnosed young non-smoking women is rising. When being confronted with the diagnosis it may be good to know that you are not alone. There are many people that deal with lung cancer in different ways – other patients, their carers, physicians, researchers. They all have a voice and what they have to say is powerful. It can provide knowledge, hope, comfort, strength.
“Voices of Lung Cancer” is an initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim that unites all these voices and gives them a platform for their messages. On www.lifewithlungcancer.com/voices as well as on Boehringer Ingelheim’s Social Media channels like Twitter and Facebook patients, carers, physicians and researchers spread the word: due to multiple advances in our understanding of the biology and molecular mechanisms of lung cancer there is an increased number of new agents to treat NSCLC. “Voices of Lung Cancer” talks about types of lung cancer, testing, diagnosis and treatment. Sharing knowledge is a way to effectively fight lung cancer.
The patient: “My genetic test came back EGFR positive and with that, there are targeted therapies"
Do all lung cancer patients have the same type of cancer? Not at all, that’s what you find out in the interactive patient tool on www.lifewithlungcancer.com/voices. There are many types of lung cancer, with different genetic mutations. Having a genetic test sets the basis for a targeted therapy - an alternative to conventional chemotherapy for eligible patients. A targeted therapy has less side-effects and provides a good quality of life. A checklist for download supports the patient to optimally prepare for a conversation with their doctor about testing and treatment options.
The physician: “It is so rewarding when you can give hope”
For physicians the choice of individual treatment strategies has become increasingly important: the discovery of EGFR driver mutations has led to the development of targeted therapies to treat NSCLC. The sequence of targeted therapies is an essential clinical consideration right from the point of diagnosis. Leading physicians explain why it is vital to consider the bigger picture at EGFR M+ lung cancer diagnosis to maximise efficacy of targeted therapies.
The researcher: “Each small step is a breakthrough to us”
What does it mean to be a researcher in oncology? On Boehringer Ingelheim’s social media channels, scientists talk about their motivation and pride to work on research projects in oncology. With curiosity, persistence, patience and joy they advance step by step in the treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer experiments rarely work the first time, but if they do it is a special moment and another step towards the common goal: Offering a better treatment to lung cancer patients.
Listen to the voices of lung cancer on www.lifewithlungcancer.com/voices, on Twitter and on Facebook.