How Athena. Women Against Cancer Keep Fighting for Lung Cancer Access in Ukraine

When wardisrupted healthcare systems across Ukraine, NGO Athena. Women Against Cancer did not stop. Founded in 2017 with a mission of equal access to cancer treatment for all, the organisation has continued to advocate, engage, and deliver - even as the conflict intensified.

Kseniia Yesina and the team at Athena Women Against Cancer worked to expand the list of cancer medications available through state funding and engaged directly with clinical experts and policymakers to highlight the needs of people living with lung cancer across the country.

What they achieved

Their efforts have produced tangible results. People living with lung adenocarcinoma now have access to treatments including Brigatinib and Atezolizumab through public procurement for the first time, treatments that were previously unavailable through state funding.

Alongside this, increased healthcare investment has supported the purchase of more than 20 linear accelerators and diagnostic equipment at oncology centres across Ukraine, significantly improving access to radiotherapy and modern cancer care nationwide.

The organisation also ran NGS testing for people in Ukraine living with non-small cell lung cancer, helping to ensure that those who needed targeted treatment could access the right options.

What other organisations can learn

Presenting their work at a recent Lung Cancer Europe peer learning event, Athena shared three lessons from their experience.

Effective advocacy is possible even in a crisis. Organisations have the power to influence healthcare policy and funding decisions, even under significant pressure and budget constraints.

Evidence and expert engagement matter. Presenting data, proposing concrete policies, and involving clinical experts strengthens the case for change.

Continuous dialogue with decision-makers is key. Consistent engagement with policymakers helps ensure that the needs of those living with lung cancer are translated into meaningful improvements in access to treatment.

A model for the network

Athena's work is a reminder that progress is possible even in the most difficult circumstances, and that sustained, evidence-based advocacy can make a real difference to access and outcomes.

The work of Athena Women Against Cancer is an inspiration to the whole Lung Cancer Europe network.