Preparing for the Next Pandemic: An Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) Initiative

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Sep 1;22(9):2945-2950. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.9.2945.

Abstract

The COVID-pandemic has shown significant impact on cancer care from early detection, management plan to clinical outcomes of cancer patients. The Asian National Cancer Centres Alliance (ANCCA) has put together the 9 "Ps" as guidelines for cancer programs to better prepare for the next pandemic. The 9 "Ps" are Priority, Protocols and Processes, Patients, People, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), Pharmaceuticals, Places, Preparedness, and Politics. Priority: to maintain cancer care as a key priority in the health system response even during a global infectious disease pandemic. Protocol and processes: to develop a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and have relevant expertise to man the Disease Outbreak Response (DORS) Taskforce before an outbreak. Patients: to prioritize patient safety in the event of an outbreak and the need to reschedule cancer management plan, supported by tele-consultation and use of artificial intelligence technology. People: to have business continuity planning to support surge capacity. PPEs and Pharmaceuticals: to develop plan for stockpiles management, build local manufacturing capacity and disseminate information on proper use and reduce wastage. Places: to design and build cancer care facilities to cater for the need of triaging, infection control, isolation and segregation. Preparedness: to invest early on manpower building and technology innovations through multisectoral and international collaborations. Politics: to ensure leadership which bring trust, cohesion and solidarity for successful response to pandemic and mitigate negative impact on the healthcare system.

Keywords: Asia; Coronavirus; cancer center; patients.

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Cancer Care Facilities / organization & administration*
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Disaster Planning / methods*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Regional Health Planning / organization & administration*
  • Telemedicine / methods*