Blog

Aug 3, 2025, 18:06

Norah Shire: Societal Aspect of Lung Cancer Needs to Be Addressed

Norah Shire, Vice President, Lung Cancer, Global Medical Affairs at AstraZeneca, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“On World Lung Cancer Day, my thoughts are with the millions of individuals and families impacted by this disease globally. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This sobering fact underscores the urgent need for continued action and innovation.

While the statistics can be daunting, advancements in science and policy, which are truly changing lives, are being made every day to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment. At AstraZeneca, we are deeply committed to pushing these boundaries, from championing innovative approaches that offer new possibilities in lung cancer treatment pathways to advocating for changes that improve equitable access to screening and care.

However, there’s a societal aspect of lung cancer that also needs to be addressed – and that is stigma. The stigma associated with lung cancer often prevents individuals from seeking help early or sharing the physical and emotional burdens of their journey with others. AstraZeneca’s new video series challenges stigmas, with those touched by lung cancer speaking up about their experiences.

Their voices are powerful, and their stories are a vital reminder that empathy and understanding are as crucial as medical breakthroughs.

These stories reinforce why our work extends beyond the lab. It’s about creating a world where every person affected by lung cancer feels supported, not judged, and has access to the care they need.”