Featuring Trends in the Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Following the Publication of the National Cancer Strategy in Qatar

Abstract

Objectives: Qatar has witnessed significant reforms in its health care system, including the care of cancer patients. In 2011, the National Cancer Strategy was released with the aim to deliver a high standard of care to cancer patients across the country. We sought to investigate the featuring trends in the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of lung cancer in Qatar following the publication of the National Cancer Strategy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study documenting the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of primary lung cancer cases in Qatar diagnosed from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2018. Results: The overall age-standardized incidence rate was 8.7 per 100 000 persons (11.6 per 100 000 and 5.4 per 100 000 persons for males and females, respectively). The one, three, and five-year overall survival rates were 67.0%, 48.0%, and 28.0%, respectively. The three-year overall survival rates for stages I, II, III, and IV were 97.0%, 78.0%, 52.0%, and 31.0%, respectively. The three-year survival rates for males and females were 43.0% and 64.0%, respectively (p = 0.029), for Qatari and non-Qatari nationals were 42.0% and 49.0%, respectively (p = 0.252), and for smokers and non-smokers were 39.0% and 69.0%, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). The overall age-standardized mortality rate was 5.5 per 100 000 persons. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histologic type. Conclusions: Despite the low overall lung cancer incidence rate in Qatar, there is a rise in the incidence among females when compared to previous studies. Qatar has favorable five-year lung cancer survival rates compared to many developed and neighboring countries. Policymakers in the country should consider the changing patterns in lung cancer incidence when planning future preventive strategies.

Lung Cancer Diagnoses and Outcomes During the Syrian War, 2011-2018

“…Our study also showed a 5-year survival rate of 0.1% and a 1-year survival rate of 13.1%; numbers that raise red flags when compared with survival rates worldwide. The most recent 5-year survival rate in the US and in wealthier countries in the Middle East and North Africa region (commonly referred to as MENA) (eg, Qatar) approximated 25%. Our reported survival rates are notably lower than those observed in low-resource countries almost 2 decades ago (8.9%) and in neighboring nations facing political and financial challenges, such as Jordan (approximately 10%) .…”

Applying value-based strategies to accelerate access to novel cancer medications: guidance from the Oncology Health Economics Expert Panel in Qatar (Q-OHEP)

“…The most reported cancers were breast, colorectal, prostate, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [6]. As with global trends, it is suspected that mortality for specific types of cancer is also decreasing in Qatar [7][8][9]. Nevertheless, the related burden on patients, healthcare systems, and the economy illustrates that cancer is a significant public health issue in Qatar [4].…”

Applying value-based strategies to accelerate access to novel cancer medications: guidance from the Oncology Health Economics Expert Panel in Qatar (Q-OHEP)

“…The most reported cancers were breast, colorectal, prostate, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [6]. As with global trends, it is suspected that mortality for speci c types of cancer is also decreasing in Qatar [7][8][9]. Nevertheless, the related burden on patients, healthcare systems, and the economy illustrates that cancer is a signi cant public health issue in Qatar [4].…”