- MOU with 10 institutions, celebrating Cancer Survivors Week (first week of June) -

- Consistent post-treatment care to improve life quality for survivors and their families -

On June 2, Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the signing of a public-private memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 10 institutions—including the Incheon Regional Cancer Survivorship Center—in recognition of Cancer Survivors Week (first week of June) at the City Hall’s reception room to promote the city’s integrated cancer survivor support initiative.

This marks the nation’s first public-private collaboration dedicated to comprehensive support for cancer survivors. The MOU ceremony brought together the Incheon Regional Cancer Survivorship Center and three tertiary hospitals (Gil Medical Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital), four regional/local accountable-care hospitals (Na-eun Hospital, Incheon Sejong Hospital, Incheon Medical Center, Incheon Red Cross Hospital), and two related institutions (Incheon Medical Association, Incheon Branch of the Korean Medical Women’s Association).

The Ministry of Health and Welfare designated Incheon as the host of the regional cancer survivorship center at Gil Medical Center in January 2020. The center offers various support programs in an integrated manner to individuals who have completed cancer treatment, regardless of the hospital where they received care. The center’s core programs include intensive counseling by nurses and social workers, physical wellness support such as strength training and nutrition education, psychological support through group therapy, art therapy, and music therapy, as well as information and services to aid in returning to work. 

Under the new agreement, the Incheon Metropolitan Government and its partners will actively pursue joint efforts to enhance self-care capabilities, promote the health of cancer survivors, and support their reintegration into society. 

As part of these efforts, all participating institutions have agreed to collaborate on education and public outreach. Medical institutions and associations will refer survivors in need of continued care to the Incheon Regional Center, which will, in turn, offer tailored programs and professional counseling to support each individual’s health and social recovery. 

The city government also plans to strengthen its support for close cooperation among these institutions, aiming to reinforce the region’s integrated care system and expand access to services so that more cancer survivors can benefit from long-term support.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “Life after cancer treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. Incheon will be a reliable partner to help patients and their families cope with the anxiety and depression they must face.” He added, “I sincerely hope survivors will receive the professional and personalized care they need at the Incheon Regional Cancer Survivorship Center to return to a healthier, more stable daily life.”