The “Bangkok Declarations on Cancer Control in Asia”, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific (Vol. 63, October 2025), present a strategic framework for addressing cancer across the Asia-Pacific region. The landmark article is a direct outcome of the collaborative efforts led by the Working Group on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) under the APRU Global Health Program.

Developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and public health professionals, the declarations consolidate the expert discussions initiated during a working group session at the APRU Global Health Conference 2024 held at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. The WG is co-chaired by academics including Jason Huang Junjie and Claire Chenwen Zhong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Global Health Program Director Prof. Mellissa Withers and advisory group member Prof. Martin Wong has been supporting the NCD working group and contributed to the paper.

Dr. Jason Huang Junjie (left) and Dr. Claire Zhong Chenwen from The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Prof. Mellissa Withers from University of Southern California and Prof. Martin Wong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The article outlines 12 priority areas for action, including lifestyle and environmental risk reduction, improved access to screening and early detection, financial protection, digital health innovation, and culturally sensitive care.

The publication emphasizes the importance of multisectoral collaboration and region-specific interventions to improve cancer outcomes. It serves peer-reviewed roadmap to guide future research and policy development, demonstrating how APRU’s academic platforms contribute to evidence-based public health strategies in the region.