ASEAN Elevates Breast Cancer Priority as Study Shows Losses

Asia Pacific health systems face staggering productivity losses from HER2-positive breast cancer. Ahmed Elhusseiny, Area Head, Asia Pacific, Roche Pharmaceuticals, argues in an opinion column that the region must accelerate early detection and targeted therapies to meet global health targets.

ASEAN Elevates Regional Breast Cancer Priority

ASEAN’s decision to elevate breast cancer prevention and control as a regional health priority marks the first time a cancer-related issue has been designated as a regional focus. Globally, about 48 per cent of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases and 45 per cent of fatalities from the disease occur within this region. HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for approximately 23 per cent of breast cancer cases in Asia. Elhusseiny argues that scientific advances in targeting the HER2 protein provide a clear opportunity to improve patient outcomes across diverse health economies.

WifOR Institute Calculates Billions in Productivity Losses

A study by the independent economic research institute WifOR, commissioned by Roche, evaluates the economic toll of HER2-positive breast cancer across 11 Asia Pacific economies. The research estimates that between 2017 and 2027, the disease will cause approximately 4 million years of healthy life lost and an estimated $116 billion in productivity losses. Over that same timeframe, the research projects that Roche medicines for HER2-positive breast cancer deliver roughly 21,300 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) alongside a $1.65 billion social impact, with early-stage treatment of women accounting for 63 per cent of that value. Elhusseiny notes that early-stage treatment is 2.5–3 times more cost-effective than treating metastatic disease.

Pilot Programs Expand Access Across Indonesia and Malaysia

As many as a quarter of Asian patients receive their diagnosis only after their breast cancer has metastasized to other regions of the body. To overcome shortcomings in care delivery, Indonesian authorities are formulating a comprehensive National Breast Cancer Action Plan that adheres to the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, backed by local pilot projects operating in Yogyakarta and Jakarta. In Malaysia, health authorities are scaling from a single national hub to eight regional centres, complemented by district-level clinics. Malaysia’s Sabah region utilizes a Nursing Privileging Programme that has enabled certified local nurses to administer systemic therapies nearer to patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asia Pacific Breast Cancer Strategies

What is the WHO target for breast cancer survival?

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative set the goal of saving 2.5 million lives from breast cancer by 2040.

How much economic return does early breast cancer care generate?

Up to $7.8 in economic benefits can be produced for every $1 spent on comprehensive breast cancer treatment and early detection, according to WHO findings.

Which economies were covered in the WifOR institute research?

The independent economic research institute WifOR evaluated 11 Asia Pacific economies with diverse health systems and economic contexts to assess healthy life years lost and productivity impacts between 2017 and 2027.

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