HONG KONG SAR -
Media OutReach Newswire
- 2 July 2024 - Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease, impacting
the lives of thousands of patients and their loved ones. In Hong Kong,
approximately 100 new cases of cancer are diagnosed every day
[1],
while data analysis from Bupa indicates that cancer accounts for 1 in
10 health insurance claims—over 31,000 claimants in total over the past
five years, with HK$1.4 billion paid out by Bupa.
While some people are more likely than others to receive a cancer
diagnosis, cancer can happen to anyone. Behind every piece of data is a
real person. A friend. A colleague. A family member. A member of the
Hong Kong community. Fighting cancer is critical—but fragmented elements
of treatment and an overwhelming amount of information may complicate
the treatment journey, making it difficult for patients to get the care
they need and creating even more stress for patients and their families.
In an effort to tackle these challenges, reduce patient stress, and
deliver a more seamless and supportive care experience to customers,
Bupa is introducing an integrated cancer care support system: "Cancer
Care".
"Cancer Care" supports patients who suspect or are given a positive
cancer diagnosis to navigate the challenging world of cancer care with
more clarity and support. With "Cancer Care", patients get a streamlined
path to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services, and a consistent
source of vital support at every step of their cancer care journey.
Fiona Harris, Managing Director, Bupa in Hong Kong, said,
"Patients who receive a positive cancer diagnosis may be uncertain and
deeply concerned about their next step. Unfortunately, many patients
don't know where to turn. They don't have a one-stop source of
information and support. Moreover, cancer is a deeply complex disease
and often requires a dynamic, ever-evolving, multi-team treatment
approach. Each stage may bring new doctors and new information to become
acquainted with. 'Cancer Care' supports patients at every step in the
cancer care journey, to relieve patient anxieties, elucidate information
and avoid delays in potentially life-saving treatment."
Coordinating diverse elements of treatment, the key features of "Cancer
Care" include: a dedicated nurse hotline where patients can ask
questions and get help arranging the next step in their cancer care
journey; tailored treatment plans developed by a professional team of
oncologists, specialists and the patient; fast-tracked appointment
booking; allied health and post-treatment support; proactive check-ins;
and more. Cancer Care is available to all Bupa customers, including
individual and corporate group plan members.
"Cancer Care" is made possible through the connected team approach. As a
leading integrated healthcare business in Hong Kong, offering both
insurance and private healthcare provision, Bupa is uniquely able to
bring together disparate elements of the cancer care ecosystem so that
patients receive a more coordinated, less fragmented care experience. A
team of doctors and nurses is just a phone call away to support patients
in their cancer care journey.
Harris added, "Bupa's purpose is to help people live longer
healthier happier lives and make a better world. This purpose can only
be achieved by putting customers at the heart of everything we do.
'Cancer Care' centralises the patient experience by prioritising support
and transparency so that customers can be less overwhelmed when
navigating the challenging world of cancer diagnosis and treatments.
With 'Cancer Care' we are addressing patients' physical, mental and
emotional needs, to support whole-person wellness for our customers."
"Cancer Care" supports all Bupa members in navigating the challenging
world of cancer care with more clarity and support. If any Bupa member
suspects they have cancer, receives a diagnosis, or is undergoing
treatment, they can call the dedicated hotline at +852 2517 5788 for
practical and emotional support.