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

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.