On August 1, 2024, Health and Global Policy (HGPI) held an expert meeting on “Policy Measures to Reduce Regional Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment”. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Japan, and has long been the subject of research, development, and policy efforts. However, all cancers should not be grouped in a single category for “cancer prevention”, given that each type of cancer has presents different attributes of the affected individuals and treatment methods.

Breast cancer, in particular, is characterized by a high survival rate and relatively positive prognosis. In addition, more than 90% of patients are female, reflecting a gender difference that requires highly personalized psychological and social support in addition to providing medical treatment.

The shortage of human resources poses a major problem in breast cancer treatment, as the uneven distribution of physicians has long been an issue in Japan. The division of functions for breast cancer treatment as a whole, as well as the centralization and equalization of treatment within and between regions, remain a matter of discussion.

In this expert meeting, participants discussed the challenges facing Japan’s current healthcare system and issues specific to the breast cancer field. They also discussed policy measures to address said challenges, with the aim of reducing regional disparities in breast cancer treatment.

Key discussion points during this meeting:

• Sustainable healthcare delivery system based on local circumstance
• The equalization of health care quality through the use of patient data
• Patient involvement and comprehensive social and economic support for patients

The relevant recommendations will be published based on this meeting and HGPI’s own interviews with experts.

[Event Overview]

• Date & Time: Thursday, August 1, 2024, 18:00-20:00 JST
• Format: Online (*This was a closed-door meeting)
• Language: Japanese
• Organizer: Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)

■Expert Group Members (titles omitted, in Japanese alphabetical order)

Takanori Ishida (Professor, Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University)
Keika Kaneko (Certified Genetic Counselors, (Clinical Genetic Medicine Department, Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR)
Naomi Sakurai (President, Cancer Solutions Co., Ltd)
Shigehira Saji (Chairman, School of Medicine (Clinical Medicine) Department of Medical Oncology Chairman of the Department, Fukushima Medical University)
Yumi Sugawara (Representative, Tohoku branch, Juvenile Breast Cancer Support Community Pink Ring)
Satoko Miyawaki (Oncology Certified Nurse Specialist, Shikoku Cancer Center)
Fumihiko Wakao (Deputy Director, Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center Japan)
Chie Watanabe (Professor, School of Nursing & Rehabilitation Sciences, Showa University)

Observers:

Shinya Tsuruta (Director, Cancer and Disease Control Division, Health Service Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and welfare)