The term "Cancer Anywhere" primarily refers to a health policy and program in Thailand designed to improve access to cancer care for patients under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). This initiative allows cancer patients to receive treatment at any hospital within the public health system, regardless of their registered home hospital, thereby reducing delays caused by hospital transfers and administrative barriers.
Key Features of Cancer Anywhere in Thailand
- Access Across Hospitals: Patients covered by UCS can receive comprehensive cancer treatment-including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnosis, staging, complication treatment, and follow-up-at any of the 192 public hospitals nationwide, crossing regional health boundaries without the usual 15-day waiting period or transfer approval documents
- Digital Integration: The program uses digital patient information and management systems to streamline referrals, reduce medical-record errors, and speed up diagnosis and treatment processes. This centralization facilitates rapid entry into care and reduces diagnostic delays that can last months in other low- and middle-income countries
- Improved Outcomes: Since its implementation in 2021, Cancer Anywhere has served over 200,000 patients, increased access to treatments for certain cancers, and improved overall survival rates by enabling earlier-stage diagnosis and faster treatment initiation
- Patient and Provider Satisfaction: Evaluations show that patients receive treatment faster and express satisfaction with the policy, while healthcare providers report positive outcomes. The program also allows patients to choose hospitals closer to where they live, including private hospitals, enhancing convenience and reducing travel burdens
- Cost and Equity: The program is covered under Thailand’s universal health coverage, so patients do not incur additional costs when receiving care outside their registered hospital
Context and Challenges Addressed
Thailand faces a rising cancer incidence, with over 180,000 new cases diagnosed in 2022 and a projected 50% increase by 2045. Many patients are diagnosed at late stages due to delays in diagnosis and treatment access, historically caused by travel distances, fragmented health records, and complex referral systems. Cancer Anywhere addresses these bottlenecks by enabling flexible, timely, and coordinated cancer care
Additional Resources
- There are mobile applications named "Cancer Anywhere" that help patients track their cancer history and receive advice from doctors, supporting patient engagement and management of their care
In summary, "Cancer Anywhere" is a pioneering Thai health policy initiative that enhances cancer care accessibility, efficiency, and patient satisfaction by allowing treatment at any capable hospital within the public system, supported by digital health tools and universal coverage
