Lilly study highlights public demand for greater progress on cancer

Lilly has published the findings of a new study it has commissioned that provides new insights on the public's knowledge and attitudes about cancer treatment and care, the healthcare system and patient involvement.

It was found that people in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan are generally satisfied with cancer research progress over the last two decades, but believe it takes too long for new medicines to be made available.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of government investment in cancer research, while a high level of interest was shown in participating in clinical trials or sharing their medical data for study purposes.

However, the survey also revealed a number of misconceptions about cancer, such as the idea that it is a single disease rather than a collection of conditions, while many other believe drugmakers are more interested in treating cancer than curing it.

Newton Crenshaw, vice-president for Lilly Oncology, said the report highlights key challenges for the industry, including the need to "educate people on our motives, what we do and how we work and also to step up, work as partners with healthcare payers, policymakers and patients, and demonstrate our value".