Multinational Lung Cancer Control Program (MLCCP)

The Challenge

In 2012, the world cancer research fund international estimated that lung cancer accounted for 13% of 14.1 million cancer cases globally. Although lung cancer risk factors are present in the Kingdom of Eswatini and cancers are the sixth main cause of death nationally, the prevalence of lung cancer is still unknown. From anecdotal reports, lung cancer in Eswatini is often diagnosed late, due to cultural beliefs and insufficient health-seeking behavior, lack of diagnostic capacity, and misdiagnosis. In addition, mechanisms for lung cancer patient navigation are weak, and treatment opportunities in Eswatini are limited. Capacity strengthening for lung cancer epidemiological research and monitoring is crucial to ensure evidence-based programming and decision-making. Through this initiative, URC and BMSF are strengthening the Cancer Registry polices, surveillance mechanisms, and program implementation strategies.

Overview and Objectives

URC is working closely with the Eswatini National Cancer Registry to implement the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Program (MLCCP) to improve lung cancer surveillance, diagnosis, management, and strengthening patient care pathways. Funded by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF), the project is aimed at building capacity for evidence-based Cancer Registry coordination and establishing the epidemiologic burden of lung cancer in Eswatini to improve Lung Cancer surveillance.

The goal of this project is to work with the Eswatini Ministry of Health to strengthen the Eswatini National Cancer Registry and address the barriers to cancer care in order to improve access to early diagnostic services for lung cancer. The program will build capacity of the Cancer Registry through continued professional development and encourage multi-stakeholder knowledge-sharing to improve Cancer Registry organizational effectiveness and maximize the beneficial impact of lung cancer health interventions. Project objectives include:

• To determine the epidemiologic burden of and risk factors for lung cancer in the Kingdom of Eswatini through a community-based population study
• To establish a coordinated system for improving the referrals for suspected and confirmed lung cancer cases and patient outcomes of such referrals and establishing an incidence.
• To strengthen treatment services for lung cancer and improve linkages to treatment, care and support (including palliative care) for confirmed lung cancer cases and post-treatment surveillance in Eswatini
• To strengthen the capacity of the Eswatini National Cancer Registry in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of lung cancer surveillance and registration
• To increase awareness about lung cancer among health care workers and the public, to promote prevention, health-seeking behavior and early diagnosis of Lung Cancer in Eswatini

Achievements

• Community-based lung cancer prevalence study: developed and configured data collection for the prevalence study; data collection through field mobile sites is ongoing. Study implementation has received positive feedback from the MOH as well as WHO consultants who reviewed the study in early 2019
• Patient Navigation System: Developed and configured a data collection tool for the patient navigation system
• Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) Study: In collaboration with the MOH, URC developed data collection tools for the KAP study, conducted study sensitizations in 10 areas of the country in preparation for the study