Cancer survivorship in the Western Pacific: from differences to shared-goals and from challenges to opportunities

The Western Pacific region consists of 38 countries and approximately one quarter of the world population. Over 17 million people in the region have a personal history of cancer, necessitating effective survivorship care approaches for optimal outcomes and experiences. There are substantial differences in population and income and resource availability between countries within the region which impacts cancer survivorship care. Likewise, varying healthcare systems and models of survivorship care (e.g., primary care-led, patient-led etc.) affect the survivorship experience and outcome of people affected by cancer. Despite differences across Western Pacific countries, issues facing cancer survivors are similar, with shared challenges including lack of focus on survivorship care, adoption of a holistic approach, and workforce availability. Various approaches to cancer survivorship are being developed and implemented across the region, but a region-wide, coordinated approach is needed, involving thoughtful leadership and sharing of ideas to achieve better outcomes.