Global survey of more than 10,000 adults highlights misperceptions about lung cancer, a disease that kills 1.59 million people annually

EAST HANOVER, N.J., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A new global survey of more than 10,000 adults in 10 countries finds that a large majority of the general public feel they know little or nothing about lung cancer (84%), a devastating disease that is responsible for 1.59 million deaths annually, more than breast, colorectal and prostate cancers combined^1,2,4. The "Any One Any Lung" survey uncovered not only a significant lack of understanding about the widespread impact of lung cancer, but also a critical absence of knowledge around the role of genetic changes in the development of the disease¹. These knowledge gaps and misperceptions may lead to undue blame placed on the patient, negatively affecting those impacted by lung cancer and in need of support.

The survey was sponsored by Novartis Oncology and conducted online by Harris Poll.

Research has shown that not all lung cancers are the same; there are many subtypes based on different underlying genetic abnormalities. In people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer, approximately 60 percent of patients have a genetic mutation that is driving their cancer⁵. However, nearly 80 percent of adults did not acknowledge changes in genetic makeup as a factor that can cause lung cancer¹.

Not only do people not understand a key cause of lung cancer, but less than one in five adults (19%) recognize that therapies targeted to a specific change in genetic makeup can be used to treat the disease despite the fact that several targeted therapies are currently available for patients¹. The lung cancer treatment landscape has changed dramatically, and leading professional organizations now recommend patients undergo genetic testing to determine an appropriate treatment plan specific to their particular type of lung cancer⁶.

"While patient advocates around the world have played an important role in raising lung cancer awareness, misinformation continues to surround this disease, creating barriers to treatment and patient care and often generating negative attitudes towards patients affected by this disease," said Stefania Vallone, international relations, Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe and board member, Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE). "We are calling on the general public to help correct misperceptions around lung cancer and highlight the disease for what it truly is, a complex and heterogeneous disease with many causes that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or smoking history, and that over the past 30 years has doubled in incidence and mortality rates, especially among women."

"Any One Any Lung" finds that half (50%) of adults feel that people with lung cancer are mostly or fully responsible for causing their cancer. In comparison, significantly fewer adults feel the same way about people diagnosed with prostate (12%), colon (14%) or breast (11%) cancer. Furthermore, 40 percent believe there is little support or compassion for people with lung cancer in their country¹. While smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, approximately 10 to 15 percent of people with the disease have never smoked⁷. The disease affects a wide variety of people, including men and women and patients of all ages, including some as young as the age of 15⁸.

"These survey findings reinforce what I've witnessed first-hand as a lung cancer survivor and advocate, that there is a direct link between misinformation about the various causes of lung cancer and the stigma around the disease. If more people understood the genetic components, my hope is that other patients would feel as empowered as I have about knowing their options, seeking out the best care possible and be better supported by their communities," said Anne Marie Cerato, lung cancer survivor and board member, Lung Cancer Canada. 

About the "Any One Any Lung" survey
The "Any One Any Lung" survey was conducted online by Harris Poll between August 11, 2014 and August 27, 2014. A total of 10,111 adults (aged 18+) completed the survey in 10 countries: Argentina (n=1,006), Australia (n=1,008), Colombia (n=1,028), France (n=1,005), Germany (n=1,005), Mexico (n=1,009), South Korea (n=1,007), Spain (n=1,006), UK (n=1,005) and the US (n=1,032). Data are weighted where necessary to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Weighted variables varied by country and included one or more of the following: age within gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, income, internet usage, household income, socioeconomic status, online purchase history, social class and propensity to be online. A global postweight was applied to ensure equal weight of each country in the global total. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About "Any One Any Lung"
The mission of "Any One Any Lung" is to raise global awareness of lung cancer as a complex disease that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or smoking history. Novartis Oncology has consulted with leading global advocacy organizations to create the survey and supporting materials, including a newly launched website. More information about the survey findings, including infographics and educational videos can be accessed at www.anyoneanylung.com. Get the facts, help dispel the misconceptions about lung cancer and share what you know using #any1anylung.

Disclaimer
This press release contains expressed or implied forward-looking statements, including statements that can be identified by terminology such as "launches," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Group regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such statements. These expectations could be affected by, among other things, risks and factors referred to in the Risk Factors section of Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update it in the future.

About Novartis
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative medicines aimed at improving patients' lives.  We offer a broad range of medicines for cancer, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, neurological disease, organ transplantation, psychiatric disease, respiratory disease and skin conditions.  The company's mission is to improve people's lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.

Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 133,000 full-time-equivalent associates and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

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