The Asia Pacific Oncology Alliance – Pathways for transforming the cancer ecosystem

The Asia Pacific Oncology Alliance is focused on transforming cancer care in the Asia-Pacific region through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach that puts patients at the center. This approach calls for the development of an inspiring vision for change focused on improving health outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. Providing robust data and evidence on the financial and social impacts of cancer is crucial to support action and to drive change. Fostering collaboration and shared leadership among diverse stakeholders, including experts, patient organizations, civil society, and different sectors, is essential, whilst empowering and amplifying powerful patient voices to shape policies, programs, and research is a key component.

The key areas for transformation identified for real change in cancer care across Asia Pacific include:

1) Improving access to affordable, high-quality cancer diagnostics, treatments, and supportive care services.

2) Investing in local research, clinical expertise, and data systems to inform context-appropriate solutions.

3) Integrating psychosocial, rehabilitation, and palliative care services into routine cancer care.

4) Empowering and supporting cancer survivors and their families.

In summary, a comprehensive, multi-faceted framework for transforming cancer care involving all stakeholders is required to make meaningful change for cancer patients in the Asia-Pacific region.