Improving Equitable Care for People with Cancer

I’ve spoken extensively on my platform about the Sanofi initiative When Cancer Grows Old that works to address the health inequities faced by people with cancer over the age of 65 and the impact this growing population is having on the global cancer ecosystem.i Since the initiative’s inception more than 3 years ago, Sanofi has partnered with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to help advance understanding of inequities experienced by older adults and inform age-inclusive cancer programs. 

But there is more work to be done. Recently, Sanofi sponsored a roundtable discussion during UICC’s World Cancer Congress that featured expert perspectives from Dr. Salvatore Vaccarella (International Agency for Research on Cancer), Dr. Matti Aapro (European Cancer Organisation) and Dr. Andreas Charalambous (European Cancer Organisation) titled ‘What gets measured gets done’ – Using data to improve equitable care across the life course.  

Through this powerful conversation, the group uncovered new opportunities and challenges in the collection of data around cancer inequities in countries worldwide. These leaders discussed the potential use of these data in ongoing advocacy efforts and in conversations with decision makers. The discussion highlighted the importance of geriatric assessments, healthcare worker training, and guideline development to inform responsive policies and programs as a complement to existing advocacy activities. 

We also recently commissioned a KPMG study to help gather data to quantify the global costs of cancer and aging and to validate potential solutions. Backed by a steering committee of global oncology organizations, the study provides recommendations to meaningfully address the social and economic costs, including expanding professional training for oncologists in geriatrics, improving representation of older patient populations in clinical trials, and developing age-inclusive national policies. 

 Alongside the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP) guidance on age-inclusive national cancer plans, the KPMG study serves as a key resource because it establishes the economic impact of cancer and aging, as well as the support required among the oncology community to build a case for policy action. The study is also a resource for medical professionals to help improve cancer treatment and care. 

 As part of our collaboration with UICC, Sanofi participates in UICC’s Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition (ATOM) initiative to shine a light on cancer care by helping strengthen healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries, including improving access to essential cancer medicines. 

While oncology is always a topic on people’s minds, and awareness days bring it to the forefront at key moments in time, here at Sanofi, we’re focused year-round on collaborating and supporting the global cancer community, bringing together key thought leaders and taking steps for change that will give people with cancer the best possible chance to grow older.