A collaborative approach to meeting oncology challenges in island communities in the Asia‐Pacific region

Abstract

Treatment of cancer in small island communities is frequently challenged by the isolation and scattered nature of target populations, limited economic resources and overburdened healthcare systems. Strategies that have been successful in improving access to nonsurgical treatment in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and West Timor include balancing centralised location of scarce resources (particularly health professionals) with minimisation of patient travel, in-country training by teams of oncology professionals from high-income countries (HICs), sending health professionals to train in HICs, sharing and adaptation of treatment protocols, and telehealth initiatives. A common feature of successful initiatives is a collaborative approach. Cancer service design and implementation needs to be led by local health professionals with the collaboration of local health authorities and government. There is greater scope for collaboration between low-and middle-income countries and for the use of virtual meetings, distance learning, and remote technical support.

Building Capability and Capacity: The Establishment of an Oncology Unit in the Solomon Islands

“…The role of the HICs has been in responding to local requests for specific assistance with training, equipment, and technical expertise. 10 With the increasing global incidence of cancer and the burden of new diagnoses and case fatality falling on LMICs, which have constrained resources and funding, HICs in the Asia-Pacific region have role to play in improving access to cancer care of their LMIC neighbors. 11 This can be by: Education and institutional partnerships to develop capacity in cancer care Supporting better data collection through registries Capacity building in cancer research Engaging and training clinicians in global oncology Web-based training, tumor boards, and advocacy endeavors Funding of global oncology activities.…”