First regional benchmark finds more than half of cancer centres in lower-income countries still rely on paper records as cases set to surge
Cancer control across the Asia-Pacific is an urgent global health crisis. The region accounts for 60 per cent of global cancer deaths and will need to treat more than five million radiotherapy patients annually by 2035, yet many facilities lack the basic digital infrastructure to track patient outcomes or identify who is being left behind.
New research led by The George Institute for Global Health and published in Clinical Oncology is the first to benchmark the use of oncology information systems across 16 countries in the region and the findings reveal stark disparities.
The study found:
- More than half of cancer centres in lower-middle income countries still record critical treatment information on paper
- Only one-third of centres in these countries use their digital systems beyond basic functions
- 78 per cent of lower-income centres rarely or never record whether patients belong to disadvantaged populations, making it impossible to measure or address health inequities
- Almost no centres in lower or middle-income countries have systems linked to national cancer registries
- Encouragingly, radiotherapy treatment data were consistently recorded across most centres, highlighting a strong foundation to build more comprehensive cancer data systems across the region.
The study's authors said the findings highlighted an urgent need for investment in cancer data infrastructure.
"We can't fix what we can't measure. If cancer services don't know which communities are missing out, or whether treatments are working, they're flying blind.
By:Dr Vikneswary Batumalai
Senior Research Fellow at the George Institute for Global Health
The issues run far deeper than they may seem.
"This isn't just about technology, it's about equity. Without reliable data, health systems can't plan services, target resources, or ensure that all patients, regardless of where they live or their background, have access to quality cancer care. The encouraging finding is that many centres are eager to strengthen their data systems, with the right investment and training, meaningful progress is within reach.
By:Dr Vikneswary Batumalai
The study, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, surveyed 149 radiotherapy professionals across Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, and 10 other countries. It was conducted in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
Senior author A/Professor Mei Ling Yap, radiation oncologist and Cancer Program Head at The George Institute, said Australia has a key role to play in strengthening health systems across the region.
"What happens in cancer control within our neighbouring countries is important for the health and wellbeing of people across our Asia-Pacific region. By sharing expertise and supporting better data collection, we can support more effective cancer care across the Asia-Pacific.
Reliable data is also the foundation for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Without it, the promise of AI-supported cancer care will remain out of reach for the communities that need it most.
By:A/Professor Mei Ling Yap
Cancer Program Head at The George Institute
The researchers are now working to develop a regionally endorsed minimum dataset and tailored training programs to support cancer centres to improve data quality and consistency across the region.
