Lung health is more critical now than ever before. As November brings attention to both COPD and Lung Cancer Awareness Months, we’re reminded that these diseases don’t just affect individuals—they ripple through families, communities, and entire healthcare systems. Lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer continue to have a profound impact on millions of people.1-3 These aren't just statistics; they are people whose lives are deeply impacted. AstraZeneca remains steadfast in addressing these challenges through innovative science and medicines, supporting communities with early diagnoses and timely care.
The Burden of Lung Diseases: A Growing Health Crisis
Respiratory diseases affect tens of millions of people in the United States alone.1-3 More than 25 million Americans live with asthma, with 5-10% experiencing severe asthma.4-5 Alarmingly, nearly half of severe asthma cases are considered uncontrolled.6 COPD, another major threat, affects ~11.7 million Americans and is one of the top ten causes of death in the United States.3 Meanwhile, lung cancer affects an estimated 600,000 people and stands as the leading cause of cancer-related death.7
"When we think about the burden of lung diseases, it’s truly staggering,” said MeiLan Han, MD, MS, a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Michigan Health, during AstraZeneca’s inaugural The Health Innovation Summit (THIS) for Lungs. "When the lungs suffer, the rest of the body suffers."
While these statistics are staggering, the interconnectivity between COPD and lung cancer highlights an even more concerning reality but also an opportunity for improved care. For instance, in one study, 50% of lung cancer patients also had COPD prior to their diagnosis,8 and smoking-related asthma has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of lung cancer.9 The overlapping conditions mean that patients often experience exacerbated symptoms of COPD and lung cancer and poorer outcomes when they are managing more than one respiratory illness.10
Delivering Transformative Care to the Right Patients, at the Right Time, Every Time
At AstraZeneca, we are building on our heritage in respiratory disease and oncology, using science to advance our growing portfolio and pipeline of medicines. Our mission is clear: to deliver the best possible health outcomes for patients, ensuring the right care is available at the right time, every time. Our commitment includes ensuring that advancements in lung health are accessible to all, regardless of demographic or socioeconomic factors, so that no community is left behind in the fight against respiratory illness.
For over five decades, we have been an established leader in respiratory care and a disruptor in immunology. We are committed to transforming care for some of the most debilitating and chronic respiratory diseases. Our portfolio of inhaled and biologic medicines, and our pipeline for the future, seek to address the challenges and vast unmet medical needs patients face today. By following the science, we are focused on sustainably addressing tough and complex unsolved problems. Our approach involves targeting the underlying biology, developing effective new drug modalities and combinations and applying a precision medicine approach from the start of discovering medicines, all while driving earlier detection, diagnosis and intervention.
In oncology, AstraZeneca continues to build a robust portfolio of treatments targeting both small cell and non-small cell lung cancers. These therapies are transforming care for patients at every stage of cancer, from early detection to advanced disease management, offering them the best possible outcomes.
At AstraZeneca, we understand that healthcare challenges extend beyond the development of treatments. That’s why we’re taking a holistic approach to lung health by addressing inequitable access to screening, diagnostics, and post discharge with the highest standards of care. We’re dedicated to finding new ways to identify lung diseases earlier, particularly for those at high risk, and we’re working to increase access to life-saving diagnostics, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Additionally, we are partnering with health systems and local community organizations to advance screening efforts and ensure diverse participation in clinical trials, bringing innovative solutions to those who need them most.
By focusing on early detection and intervention, we aim to improve diagnostic efficiency and ultimately deliver better health outcomes for patients across the globe.
Our vision: Transform the Lung Health Landscape
Our work doesn’t stop at developing treatments and improving diagnostics. We’re also tackling the broader challenges faced by patients and communities impacted by lung diseases. Whether it’s exploring the interconnected nature of asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, or addressing health inequities, AstraZeneca is committed to ensuring that everyone—no matter who they are or where they live—has access to the best possible care.
We are uniquely positioned to advance lung care while also developing solutions that enhance climate sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and help improve air quality. Addressing environmental factors is essential, particularly in low-income communities and occupational groups disproportionately impacted by air pollution, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions. This forward-thinking approach ensures that we’re not just treating diseases but also addressing the factors that influence lung health on a global scale.
Partnerships are critical to our vision and mission. By working with stakeholders, policymakers, and non-profit organizations, we are pushing for broader screening eligibility for lung diseases. This is especially important for at-risk populations who may not have access to early detection and preventive care.
Our collaborative efforts focus on raising awareness about the urgency of lung diseases and advancing policies that support solutions like enhanced screening, clean air legislation, expanded access to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and post-discharge care.
According to Dr Han during THIS for Lungs, "In 2021, the American Lung Association actually estimated that lung disease was, for the first time ever, the number one cause of death in the US—that's combining asthma and COPD, on top of the pandemic that year.”
Also according to Gerard Silvestri, MD, MS, FCCP, Professor of Medicine and George C. and Margaret M. Hillenbrand, Endowed Chair at the Medical University of South Carolina, during THIS for Lungs, "Lung cancer is responsible for a fifth of all cancer deaths, and combined colorectal and breast cancer deaths don't equal the number of deaths from lung cancer."
AstraZeneca’s commitment to transforming lung health remains steadfast. We are driven to tackle the common challenges faced by patients with lung diseases, from asthma and COPD to lung cancer. By delivering innovative treatments, enhancing diagnostic access, and advocating for health equity, we aim to improve lung health for everyone.
Together, we are working toward a future where lung diseases no longer limit anyone’s ability to live a full, healthy life. Let’s breathe easier—together.
References
- American Cancer Society. Key statistics for lung cancer. Revised January 29, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma facts and figures. https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/aafa-asthma-facts-and-figures.pdf
- American Lung Association. COPD trends brief: Prevalence. https://www.lung.org/research/trends-in-lung-disease/copd-trends-brief/copd-prevalence
- American Lung Association. Severe asthma. Last Accessed November 22, 2024. www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/types/severe-asthma
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Most Recent National Asthma Data. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_national_asthma_data.htm
- Chastek B, et al. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2016;22:848-861.
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Lung and Bronchus Cancer. 2024: NCI; September 19, 2024. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html
- Young RP, Hopkins RJ, Christmas T, Black PN, Metcalf P, Gamble GD. COPD prevalence is increased in lung cancer, independent of age, sex and smoking history. Eur Respir J. 2009;34(2):380-386. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00144208
- Huang Q, Huang Y, Xu S, Yuan X, Liu X, Chen Z. Association of asthma and lung cancer risk: A pool of cohort studies and Mendelian randomization analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(5):e35060. DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035060
- COPD Foundation Journal. COPD Overlap Syndromes: Asthma and Beyond. COPDF Journal; 2016. https://journal.copdfoundation.org/jcopdf/id/1094/COPD-Overlap-Syndromes-Asthma-and-Beyond
