Aim
Achieving the promise of the precision oncology requires sustainable investment across the continuum of care, from prevention and early detection to personalized treatment. This study explores how lung cancer policy commitments are translated into funded action in practice and identifies strategies to strengthen investment cases for lung cancer screening and care.
Methods
A comparative review was conducted using Australia and Malaysia as case studies. Policy documents, funding frameworks, implementation reports, and stakeholder perspectives were examined to understand how lung health priorities progress from policy commitment to financing and service delivery. Key enablers, barriers, and advocacy approaches influencing funding decisions were analyzed.
Results
The review found that successful implementation depends on alignment between clinical evidence, economic value, policy priorities, and stakeholder engagement. Australia demonstrates how robust evidence, health economic modelling, and coordinated advocacy contributed to securing investment in lung cancer screening, enabling earlier detection and improved access to personalized care pathways. Malaysia highlights challenges including competing healthcare priorities, resource constraints, and financing limitations, while also illustrating opportunities to build stronger investment cases through local data and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Across both countries, common enablers included demonstrating population health impact, cost-effectiveness, and implementation readiness. Key barriers included budget constraints, competing demands on health systems, and uncertainty regarding long-term funding.
Conclusion
Precision cancer care cannot be achieved without sustainable financing. Lessons from Australia and Malaysia show that translating policy commitments into funded action requires more than evidence alone; it demands strategic advocacy, economic justification, and strong stakeholder partnerships. These findings provide practical insights for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and advocates seeking to strengthen investment cases, influence funding decisions, and accelerate implementation of lung cancer screening and care. Ultimately, sustainable funding is essential to ensure equitable access to precision prevention, early detection, and personalized care for people at risk of, or living with, lung cancer.