We know that tools exist to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem and to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. These have been outlined in the recent WHO Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer and the WHO Global breast cancer initiative.

So why is it that in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in particular, incidence and mortality are not decreasing? On the contrary, cancers affecting women are becoming more common and more severe. Over half of the global incidence of cervical cancer in 2020 was in Asia, and the region also had the highest death rate. Deaths caused by breast cancer are disproportionately higher in low and middle-income countries, and are continuing to rise.

Economist Impact’s new report, Impact and opportunity: the case for investing in women’s cancers in Asia Pacific, supported by Roche and the APAC Women’s Cancer Coalition, explores the disparity in care. We identify where the region should focus to tackle the gaps in the prevention and treatment of breast and cervical cancers, and recommend country-specific, actionable paths towards improvement. 

We found that in the region, both diseases are often diagnosed too late, leading to direct and indirect healthcare costs, higher burdens for patients and higher mortality rates. This is partly because of sub-optimal primary and secondary prevention and screening, and a large and concerning variation in practices. This is particularly notable in organised, population-based screening, human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for cervical cancer and mammography for breast cancer. HPV vaccination rates are low, with some countries not vaccinating at a national level yet. Once cancers are diagnosed, patients still face huge challenges to access the care and treatment they need.

We used a comparative scorecard model to assess policies and programmes by country, with the hope of inspiring progress. When you can see where the gaps are, it’s easier to understand where the opportunities for improvement are.

The recommendations outlined in the report are clear, actionable and rooted in evidence. They could help countries to develop a roadmap towards fairer, more equal prevention and care, especially if there is the right political will and leadership in place.

This is a promising time for women’s cancer care, with an increase in opportunities and momentum owing to the WHO global targets. If the targets for cervical cancer prevention and treatment are met, 300,000 women’s lives could be saved by 2030, more than 14m by 2070, and more than 62m by 2120.  If the targets for reducing breast cancer incidence are met,  2.5m women’s lives could be saved by 2040.  The APAC region must rise to the challenge and commit to taking the necessary steps to achieve a future free from cervical cancer, and a reduction in breast cancer incidence.