Overview

Covid-19 update: Due to the recent public health crisis we have decided to cancel the summit. The health and safety of our guests for all of our summits are of utmost importance. We are continuing to monitor the spread of the Covid-19 and are following the advice of local government and public health officials including the CDC and WHO.

 

Future of Healthcare will take place in Singapore.

The Economist’s War on Cancer is a global initiative that examines and debates key issues, progress and best practices around cancer care. In the past, we have engaged with medical experts, policymakers, businesses and NGOs to review the state of play for national cancer-control plans across the region—from prevention to detection, diagnostics and treatment—and consider how limitations surrounding funding, access and stigma could be addressed and overcome.

 

Around the world, cancer continues to be a leading illness and cause of death. Yet cancer interventions through public health systems are still often considered to be prohibitively expensive and unfeasible, despite the demonstration that improved cancer control can yield significant returns in health and the economy. This year, we revisit the relationship between cancer care and universal health coverage (UHC), as well as the opportunities for better overall care and new perspectives on access, equity and efficiency. We will also expand on previous conversations that seek to place patients and their families, not just data, at the heart of the matter.

 

Our vision is to create a viable framework that aligns priorities with resources and closes the gaps and inequalities in cancer care. Join us and add your voice and support to this effort.

VIEW WAR ON CANCER ASIA 2019 HIGHLIGHT PHOTOS

Join the conversation on @EconomistEvents via #WarOnCancer

Please note this event is certified by the CPD and eligible for 5.5 CPD points.

Why attend

Featured topics

  • Which countries are moving towards UHC?
  • Where do UHC and cancer care overlap?
  • And how can access to quality treatment and care become more equitable and affordable?
  • How can collaboration between the private sector and patient alliances improve efficiencies and access to innovation?
  • How can health programmes strike a balance between the demand for high-end solutions and the need for basic primary health-care services and infrastructure?
  • And what innovative financing mechanisms are available?
  • What are the latest advances in cancer diagnostics and treatment, and what is their impact and return?
  • Should money be spent on new technologies when resources are scarce?
  • And what priority should be given to the latest advances in cancer care when there are aspirations for universal cancer control and health coverage?

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Speakers

  • All

Francisco T Duque III

Secretary of health, The Philippines

Wang Ying-Wei

Director-general of health, Taiwan

André Ilbawi

Medical officer, cancer control, World Health Organisation

Yang Chih-Liang

Former minister of health, Taiwan and honorary chair professor, Asia University

Fiona Bonas

National director, national cancer control programme, Ireland's Health Services

John Boyages

Radiation oncologist, Sydney Adventist Hospital and honorary professor, department of clinical medicine, Macquarie University

Jan Buckner

Emeritus chair, department of oncology, Mayo Clinic

Choo Su Pin

President, Singapore Society of Oncology

Hayley Jones

Acting director, McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer

Dorothy Keefe

Chief executive, Cancer Australia

Matin Mellor

Treasurer and former president, Malaysian Oncological Society

Tetsuya Mitsudomi

President, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

Christina Ng

Founder and president, EMPOWERED - The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia

Alexandre Fernandes de Oliveira

Chief investment officer, global manufacturing agribusiness and services department, health and education division, International Finance Corporation

Paul Perez

President, Cancer Coalition Philippines

Qian Chao-Nan

Professor, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and president, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center

Manuel Francisco Roxas

Director, Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission

Suleeporn Sangrajrang

Deputy director, health system development, National Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

Soo Khee Chee

Founding director, National Cancer Centre Singapore

Virote Sriuranpong

Director , Chulalongkorn Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Aru Wisaksono Sudoyo

Chairman, Indonesian Cancer Foundation

Xiao Jing

Group chief scientist, Ping An Insurance

Charles Goddard

Editorial director, The Economist Group

Vivek Muthu

Chief health-care adviser, The Economist Intelligence Unit

Agenda

March 26th
Thursday
  • 8:00 AM

    Registration

  • 9:00 AM

    Opening remarks

  • 9:10 AM

    Panel: Cancer care in the context of universal health coverage (UHC)

    Asia accounts for 60% of the world’s population and half the global cancer burden. The number of cancer cases is forecast to increase from 6.1m in 2008 to 10.6m in 2030. With this will come an increase in the economic and emotional burden on patients, families and society at large. Cancer compounds existing poverty, especially in low-income countries, where out-of-pocket expenses make up more than 35% of health spending. The integration of cancer care into broader health-care coverage that includes access to quality, affordable and safe services could go a long way in reducing premature deaths from cancer and promoting better health for all. Some countries have started to include screening alongside family planning and maternal health programmes, or to adopt shared-cost models that link primary health-care providers with oncology specialists. But progress is slow and limited.   Our panellists will comment on how countries in Asia rank in their readiness to adopt, implement and fund universal health-care, and the implications for national cancer-control plans. Which countries are moving towards UHC? Where do UHC and cancer care overlap? And how can access to quality treatment and care become more equitable and affordable?

    Francisco T Duque III

    Secretary of health, The Philippines

    Wang Ying-Wei

    Director-general of health, Taiwan

  • 9:45 AM

    Presentation: Index of the latest EIU data on cancer

    The Index of Cancer Preparedness, from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), measures how ready health-care systems around the world are for the challenge of cancer. How well-prepared are countries to achieve major reductions in premature deaths from cancer, increase survival rates, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors?

  • 9:55 AM

    Global insights: Case studies

    In this discussion, we invite experts from Europe, Asia and Latin America to comment on the cancer preparedness index results in their regions. What are the implications for UHC? Where are the differences and similarities? And what are the opportunities to share best practice and collaborate further?

    Jan Buckner

    Emeritus chair, department of oncology, Mayo Clinic

    Fiona Bonas

    National director, national cancer control programme, Ireland's Health Services

    Qian Chao-Nan

    Professor, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and president, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center

    Soo Khee Chee

    Founding director, National Cancer Centre Singapore

  • 10:25 AM

    Keynote interview: Where does cancer care fit into the Sustainable Development Goals?

    We invite an expert to discuss how perceptions of cancer have evolved in the last decade, as well as cancer’s place in broader public health agendas and within Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) s on good health and well-being.

    André Ilbawi

    Medical officer, cancer control, World Health Organisation

  • 10:40 AM

    Networking break

  • 11:10 AM

    Country spotlights: Improving equity and access

    In this session, we invite three speakers to discuss and share their insights on their countries’ national plans for cancer care, the maturity of patient advocacy, the availability and accessibility of care, and the opportunities for regional collaboration.

  • 11:10 AM

    China

    Studies reveal that China has a cancer survival rate less than half that of the United States, with the prevalence of all types of cancer having doubled over the past two decades. Rural China, where a diagnosis is typically deadlier than in the cities, is particularly affected. Lack of awareness, insufficient screening tools for early detection, and ongoing stigma are the most common roadblocks. What role does health education play in getting treatment to more people? And how can access to care and treatment be improved in rural areas?

  • 11:20 AM

    India

    According to The Lancet Oncology, in India more than 75% of cancer-care costs are paid out of pocket and an estimated 70% of spending on publicly funded treatment goes to drugs. But a major health-care initiative, the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission, announced in February 2019, could be a game-changer that improves patient care across the health system. What are its achievements to date, and what are the implications for access to better cancer care?

  • 11:30 AM

    Philippines

    In March 2018, the Philippines passed its landmark National Integrated Cancer Act, which seeks to make cancer treatment and care more accessible and affordable, and to eliminate the burden on patients and their families. A petition with close to 18,000 signatures is thought to have contributed to the passing of the new law. How can patient advocacy and engagement with civil society be further promoted? And how will the law be implemented?

    Paul Perez

    President, Cancer Coalition Philippines

  • 11:40 AM

    Country Spotlights' Wrap Up

  • 11:45 AM

    Panel: The cost of care—The case for efficiency

    The lack of funding to build robust health-care systems is a significant challenge for many Asian countries. With cancer incidence rising, the need for wise and frugal resource allocation is all the more pressing. The issue is less about how much money there is and more about how it is spent. Misaligned priorities, waste and poor management of spending all impede efforts to build comprehensive health-care systems. But cost-effective solutions do exist that minimise waste and improve health outcomes.   From increased collaboration with civil-society organisations to adherence to evidence-based management guidelines and closer monitoring of costs, what strategies can be used to roll solutions out more systematically? What measures can improve the efficiency of cancer care? How can collaboration between the private sector and patient alliances improve efficiencies and access to innovation? How can health programmes strike a balance between the demand for high-end solutions and the need for basic primary health-care services and infrastructure? And what innovative financing mechanisms are available?

    Dorothy Keefe

    Chief executive, Cancer Australia

    Alexandre Fernandes de Oliveira

    Chief investment officer, global manufacturing agribusiness and services department, health and education division, International Finance Corporation

    Wang Ying-Wei

    Director-general of health, Taiwan

    Xiao Jing

    Group chief scientist, Ping An Insurance

  • 12:15 PM

    Panel: Advances in cancer control in the context of UHC

    Personalisation, precision medicine, molecular diagnostics and genomic approaches are but a handful of the exciting and rapid advances in medical technology and life sciences that are revolutionising the way we understand, prevent, diagnose and treat cancer patients. If caught early, many cancers are highly treatable with still-improving combinations of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and now immunotherapy. But questions arise about how the health-care industry can balance the demand for cutting-edge technology, accessible by the few, with the need of many for treatment. These advances often come at an opportunity cost, especially when even basic cancer treatment is inaccessible.   What are the latest advances in cancer diagnostics and treatment, and what is their impact and return? Will these advances be deployed to improve outcomes for all, or just for those who can afford it? Should money be spent on new technologies when resources are scarce? And what priority should be given to the latest advances in cancer care when there are aspirations for universal cancer control and health coverage?

    Suleeporn Sangrajrang

    Deputy director, health system development, National Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

    Choo Su Pin

    President, Singapore Society of Oncology

  • 12:45 PM

    Networking lunch

  • 1:55 PM

    Strategy sessions (concurrent)

  • 1:55 PM

    Those we neglect: How rare is rare?

    The Garvan Institute of Medical Research states that there are almost 186 types of neglected cancer, which collectively account for nearly 40% of cancer deaths. Due to their rarity, these types of cancer are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. They are also typically the subject of less research, as the expectation of recovering the cost of developing a new drug is low. Including some brain, thyroid and blood cancers, these types of cancer are underrepresented individually, but very real for those affected. How can advances in medical research be brought to patients with neglected cancer types? And how do advocates, governments and the private sector prioritise where research and funding should be channelled?

  • 1:55 PM

    Those we can’t miss: How can we scale?

    In Asia, lung cancer for men and breast cancer for women have the highest incidence rates, though Asia also carries a disproportionate burden of the world’s liver, stomach and oesophageal cancer. Despite new research and treatments, and the availability of funding, survival rates for these cancers vary significantly between countries. How can successful initiatives be accelerated and scaled up?

    Tetsuya Mitsudomi

    President, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

    Manuel Francisco Roxas

    Director, Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission

  • 2:40 PM

    Panel: Breaking down stigma and debunking myths

    Many patients consider cancer their greatest disaster, and it often comes with a sense of burden, shame and hopelessness. Besides constraints on treatment such as funding and infrastructure, “silent killers” such as stigma around and misconceptions about cancer play an important role in shaping a patient’s experience and perception of their place in society. People don’t just contract cancer; they have a relationship with it, as do their family members.   In this session, we invite patients, cancer survivors and family members to discuss the role of advocacy in promoting better access to services and information, and the communication strategies that can help dispel myths and encourage people to seek medical advice and support. We also ask how culture and gender affect the experience of cancer and define people’s coping mechanisms.

    Jan Buckner

    Emeritus chair, department of oncology, Mayo Clinic

    Hayley Jones

    Acting director, McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer

    Christina Ng

    Founder and president, EMPOWERED - The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia

    Aru Wisaksono Sudoyo

    Chairman, Indonesian Cancer Foundation

  • 3:10 PM

    Psychosocial services along a patient’s pathway

    While a patient’s access to innovations in medical therapy is fundamental to effective care, so is their access to adequate psychosocial and patient-centric services at the various stages of their journey. In areas from diagnostics to treatment and end-of-life care, the creation of a supportive ecosystem that considers a patient’s emotional and psychological well-being is still a significant unmet need. Health systems globally have a long way to go, particularly in Asia, where interpretations of illness, life and death vary significantly across cultures. We invite two speakers to discuss different approaches to psychosocial services, patient support and palliative care in the management of cancer, especially across Asia.  

    John Boyages

    Radiation oncologist, Sydney Adventist Hospital and honorary professor, department of clinical medicine, Macquarie University

  • 3:30 PM

    Networking break

  • 4:00 PM

    The World If… everyone had access to universal health-care

    According to the “G20 Shared Understanding on the Importance of UHC Financing in Developing Countries”, issued in June 2019, UHC enhances health outcomes, improves human capital and ensures that all people can access the quality health services they need without experiencing financial hardship. But with free universal care, would people be less likely to take care of their health? And with governments keeping costs low to meet demand, would doctors have less of an incentive to provide quality care?   In this session, we ask three experts to imagine a world where everyone has access to free health-care and discuss the implications for private health-care companies and cancer care across Asia.

    Matin Mellor

    Treasurer and former president, Malaysian Oncological Society

    Virote Sriuranpong

    Director , Chulalongkorn Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

    Yang Chih-Liang

    Former minister of health, Taiwan and honorary chair professor, Asia University

  • 4:30 PM

    Global insights: Closing remarks

    We invite our multi-regional panel to return to the stage to reflect on the messages from the day and discuss their thoughts on what can be learned and shared between the regions of Europe, Latin America and Asia.

  • 5:00 PM

    Chair’s closing remarks

  • 5:15 PM

    Event ends

Venue

TBC

One Farrer Hotel, Singapore

1 Farrer Park Station Road - Singapore

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Sponsors

Gold sponsor
Silver sponsor
Research sponsor
Accredited by
Supporting associations

2019 Summit highlights

Highlights on childhood cancers, sponsored by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

 

Highlights on lung cancer in the Asia-Pacific region, sponsored by MSD

 

Enquiry

+852 2585 3312

[email protected]

Sponsorships:

Emma Braithwaite

[email protected]

Speaking Opportunities:

If you would like to submit a speaker for suggestion please send a concise, 100 word pitch, one or two videos of the proposed speaker, a biography and any relevant articles to Cheryl Wong ([email protected]).