Plasma EGFR mutation tests for adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others. In producing guidance and advice, NICE aims to comply fully with all legal obligations to: promote race and disability equality and equality of opportunity between men and women, eliminate unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (including women post-delivery), sexual orientation, and religion or belief (these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).

The prevalence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in people with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is higher in females than in males. Prevalence also varies widely by family origin. In Europe, EGFR mutations are present in 15% of people with NSCLC, whereas in Asia, it is 47% (Midha, Dearden and McCormack, 2015). Sex and ethnicity are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.