Hong Kong:Investing in breast cancer care has been identified as an economic imperative for the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for nearly half of the world's new breast cancer cases and 45% of related deaths. With almost 980,000 women diagnosed in the WHO Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions in 2024 alone, the focus on effective breast cancer care systems is crucial.
According to World Economic Forum, the economic and social progress of women in the Asia-Pacific is significant, with 43.9% participating in the labor force and women shouldering around 80% of unpaid care work. The impact of breast cancer is particularly severe, as women in the region are often diagnosed younger than their Western counterparts, affecting their ability to support families and contribute to their communities.
The World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong highlighted breast cancer prevention and control as an ASEAN health priority, emphasizing the need for investment in breast cancer care as a socioeconomic imperative. This includes developing flexible and decentralized care models and fostering stronger regional partnerships to improve early diagnosis and treatment access.
Research by the WifOR Institute, in collaboration with Roche, has revealed the extensive impact of HER2-positive breast cancer in 11 Asia-Pacific economies. This aggressive cancer type accounts for up to 23% of cases and is projected to result in approximately 4 million disability-adjusted life years lost between 2017 and 2027. These losses translate to an estimated $116 billion in productivity losses, with costs expected to rise from $10 billion in 2023 to $13 billion by 2027.
Advancements in science and innovation hold promise for better outcomes in breast cancer care, with treatments studied by WifOR linked to $1.65 billion in economic gains and 21,300 quality-adjusted life years gained across the region. The focus remains on early-stage treatment, which is significantly more cost-effective and offers survival advantages compared to metastatic disease treatment.
To enhance breast cancer care, stakeholders should prioritize investment with a full-value view, create conditions for better care through coordinated strategies, and collaborate to scale effective solutions. These priorities aim to provide more women with the opportunity to maintain their ambitions and plans, benefiting their families, workplaces, and communities.
