UPMC joins global initiative to extend care

UPMC is part of a global initiative announced Tuesday in Switzerland that is intended to improve access to quality cancer care, starting in three countries.

The initiative, which will eventually include upward of 80 cities with populations over 1 million, is sponsored by the Union for International Cancer Control, World Economic Forum, World Bank and other organizations, in addition to Pittsburgh-based UPMC. The announcement was made at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos, where government leaders are meeting to discuss global economic issues.

UPMC International president Charles Bogosta said the hospital system, which will help assess gaps in cancer care in participating cities, could benefit financially from the arrangement by being part of the solutions that improve cancer care.

“This is a really big deal,” Mr. Bogosta said. “Everybody should have high quality care as close to home as possible.”

In Western Pennsylvania, UPMC built a hub-and-spoke model cancer treatment network, which provides for consistency throughout the region with standardized treatment protocols that are regularly updated with the latest research findings. UPMC has used the model in setting up cancer care centers in Ireland and other countries.

Cancer is among the world’s most pressing health concerns, causing more than 8 million fatalities per year and costing up to $1.16 trillion annually.

The international initiative, called C/Can 2025, is the first of its kind and will target cities from low- and middle-income countries where the need is greatest. Asuncion, Paraguay; Cali, Colombia; and Yangon, Myanmar, are the first three cities that have committed to improving cancer care.