Table 1 Key cancer public policy framing for the Chilean economy

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Publicly recognize the imminent burden of cancer and implement a strong and visible National Cancer Policy. Stimulate pro-equity interventions in poor areas of the country.

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Introduce a national cancer law. Place cancer policy on the political and public agenda and permit top-down implementations of cancer policy in the country.

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Create integrated cancer hospitals. To start, these establishments should be in the North (possibly Antofagasta), South (possibly Concepcion or Valdivia) and in the capital city of Santiago. The National Cancer Institute (Instituto Nacional de Cáncer) in Santiago would be the prime candidate to transform into an integrated cancer hospital.

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Conduct regular systemic nationwide studies on the status of oncology at all levels. Perform regular evaluations of the impact of health and cancer reforms. Promote studies of the economics burden of cancer to inform a National Cancer Policy.

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Initiate nationwide prevention programs incorporating all sectors of society. This should include stronger than the current emphasis on tobacco use, salt consumption, increase consumption of fruit and vegetables and decrease obesity, especially at schooling age. Promote research into prevention strategies and introduce public demystification and education in cancer, starting at the schooling age.

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Promote the investigation in cancers of high national relevance (e.g. stomach, gallbladder and arsenic-related lung cancer in Chile). We suggest the setting up of specific task forces promoting multi-institutional team science. Lifting any import tax on reagents and literature destined for education and scientific research.

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Partner with other South American countries to pool resources on regional problems. Reach out to North American and European countries for specialist help and off the shelf solutions to cancer-related problems.

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Specifically focus on clinical trial promotion to stimulate pharmaceutical company interest in Chile and clinical oncologist participation in research.

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Promote incentives and tax breaks to further stimulate the private sector investment, coupled with stimulation of capital risk and angel investments in the biomedical field. Clarify national finance laws to allow institutions to receive legacies and personal/company donations for cancer-related activities.

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Create, strengthen and expand of regional cancer registries. Evaluate the implementation of cancer registries to incorporate the capital city, Santiago. Promotion of tumor banking and other national infrastructure initiatives. The encouragement of existing initiatives to unite under a virtual national network. Redefine the existing legal framework for the use of human samples and clinical information, as to not impinge on biobanking and medical research.

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Promote the formation of medical cancer specialists (e.g. oncologists, palliative care, nursing and other cancer-related human resources).