Improving cancer care in South East Asia

The number of new cancer cases is expected to rise by up by 70 per cent in South East Asia by 2030. Our ACTION study was the first of its kind to look at the human cost of cancer to help governments improve access to cancer care and reduce the burden of costs associated with the illness.

The ACTION study looked at the economic impact of cancer on households across eight countries in South East Asia. It found that 75% of patients either died or had suffered financial catastrophe a year after diagnosis, with people in low-income groups hit hardest.

Since the results were published in 2015, the study continues to improve cancer care in these countries. Most recently, in October 2018, the Senate in the Philippines passed a motion to establish a national cancer program citing the study. This includes improvements in health insurance benefits, and establishing a Philippines Cancer Centre for treating and accommodating patients, as well as research.

Read more here.