Roundtable Discussion at the UICC World Cancer Congress: Looking Toward the Realization of Universal Health Coverage for Cancer in Asia

Abstract

The Japan National Committee for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and UICC-Asia Regional Office (ARO) organized a Roundtable Discussion as part of the official program of the UICC World Cancer Congress 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. The theme for the Roundtable Discussion was "Looking Toward the Realization of Universal Health Care 'UHC' for Cancer in Asia" and it was held on December 5, 2014. The meeting was held based on the recognition that although each country may take a different path towards the realization of UHC, one point that is common to all is that cancer is projected to be the most difficult disease to address under the goals of UHC and that there is, therefore, an urgent and pressing need to come to a common understanding and awareness with regard to UHC concepts that are a priority component of a post-MDG development agenda. The presenters and participants addressed the issue of UHC for cancer in Asia from their various perspectives in academia and international organizations. Discussions covered the challenges to UHC in Asia, collaborative approaches by international organizations, the need for uniform and relevant data, ways to create an Asia Cancer Barometer that could be applied to all countries in Asia. The session concluded with the recognition that research on UHC in Asia should continue to be used as a tool for cancer cooperation in Asia and that the achievement of UHC would require research and input not only from the medical community, but from a broad sector of society in a multidisciplinary approach. Discussions on this issue will continue towards the Asia-Pacific Cancer Conference in Indonesia in August 2015.

UICC International Session: What are the implications of sharing the concept of Universal Health Coverage for cancer in Asia?

“…The economic burden of cancer in Asian countries was discussed at the UICC‐ARO Session at the UICC World Cancer Congress in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2014 and also at a UICC‐ARO and UICC Japan roundtable meeting. The details of the roundtable discussion in Melbourne were subsequently published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention …”

Health Care Cost of Noncommunicable Diseases Related to Smoking in Indonesia, 2015

“…4 To reduce mortality of chronic diseases, implementing universal coverage especially in lower middle-income countries like Indonesia must be encouraged. 5 Currently, chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, are major concerns of public health in Indonesia because of the high cost of treatment and substantial burden to the national budget since universal coverage has been applied in 2014. 6 In fact, Indonesian smokers is highest among the ASEAN countries, 7 and the country recently dis not ratify the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and there are no restriction legislations to protect nonsmokers.…”

Universal Health Coverage for Cancer in Asia

“…Prof. Tezer Kutluk, President of the Union for International Cancer Control pointed out the necessity to work for multisectorial coordination by liaising with governments, leaders, stakeholders and individuals around the world to press for change to happen across the continuum of cancer care. In the light of that, the steps initiated to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) for cancer in the Asian continent are praiseworthy (Akaza et al, 2015). There are economic concerns regarding the modalities of treatment and sites of cancer that are to be included within the UHC framework.…”