New drugs are part of the answer to the cancer tsunami

Finland is bracing for a significant rise in cancer cases, termed a 'cancer tsunami,' driven by an aging population. The pharmaceutical industry emphasizes the need for collaboration to address this challenge, moving beyond confrontational approaches.

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Finland will face a 'cancer tsunami' in the near future as cancer incidence grows significantly with the aging population. The issue is socially important, and we must move from confrontation towards necessary cooperation.

Effective cancer care hinges on early diagnosis and a well-functioning treatment pathway. New medications play a vital role in this pathway for numerous patients, though industry representatives acknowledge they are not the only answer. The framing of medical research vaguely as 'lobbying' is misleading; clinical trials are integral to drug development and ultimately benefit patients and healthcare professionals.

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Good cancer care requires the earliest possible diagnosis and a functioning treatment pathway thereafter. New drugs are part of this treatment pathway for many patients. The industry knows well that they are not the only solution.

Contrary to potential perceptions, drug expenditures have remained relatively stable, constituting approximately 15% of total healthcare spending over time, according to a study by Nordic Healthcare Group. This indicates that rising drug costs have not been the primary driver of escalating social and healthcare expenses. However, these medications are deemed essential for a sustainable healthcare system that delivers the health services promised by Finland's Nordic welfare model.

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Framing medical research vaguely as 'lobbying' is misleading. Clinical trials are part of drug development. Without them, there are no new drugs.

The industry stresses that without continuous research and development, new treatments that improve patient outcomes and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system would not be possible. The focus should be on ensuring access to innovative treatments while maintaining the overall sustainability and quality of healthcare services.

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Drug expenditures have remained at about 15 percent of total healthcare spending for a longer period. Drug costs have not accelerated the cost development of social and healthcare services. But they are an essentially important part of sustainable healthcare.