BMC Cancer has published this Collection on gaps and measures in place to improve cancer control in LMIC.
In recent years, non-communicable diseases, including cancer, have shown a disproportionate increase in incidence and related mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). By 2030, approximately three-quarters of all cancer deaths will occur in LMICs, with one in eight people experiencing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Reasons for these disparate trends include better risk factor control in high-income countries (lower infection-associated cancers, anti-smoking campaigns, and other preventive measures), educational resources, increased number of screening and surveillance programs with earlier detection of disease, and improved cancer therapies. In 2015, the United National General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), built on the principle of “leaving no one behind.” The goals highlighted the importance of fighting inequalities across the world, and specifically, two goals, SDG3 and SDG10, have the ambitious aim of reducing disparities within and among countries and ensuring healthy lives for all at all ages. In addition, the 2020 WHO report on cancer clearly states that cancer control is an integral component of the path toward universal health coverage and achieving SDGs. By investing wisely and equitably, cancer cases and deaths can be avoided, and premature mortality can be reduced by 2030.
Hence, to combat the high mortality of preventable and treatable cancer in LMICs, it is imperative to improve population-based screening programs and educate the public to bridge knowledge gaps, address misconceptions, and debunk myths. In addition, several gaps in the research enterprise of LMICs, such as the scarcity of reliable data, a lack of clinical trials, as well as the lack of infrastructure and trained human resources, must be addressed to solve local and regional problems with acceptable, feasible, effective, and implementable solutions.
In recognition of this relevant field, BMC Cancer has published this Collection which encouraged submissions including but not limited to those addressing:
- Cancer patient navigators and their role in cancer control in LMIC
- Cancer workforce training in LMIC
- Decentralization of cancer care- do we have a universal model?
- Technology, infrastructures, and the need for implementation in cancer care in LMIC
- The role of AI and digital health in cancer care in LMIC
- Financial burden of cancer care on families-cases studies in different LMIC: what works to mitigate it?
- Impact of registries on cancer care- the real benefit
- Determining the best treatment protocols based on local evidence in developing countries
- Clinical trials and cancer in LMIC
- Anticipation medicine and cancer in LMIC
- Trends in cancer research in LMIC, how do they differ from HIC?
- National cancer control plans and their utility in LMIC- case studies
- Twinning and partnership in cancer care in LMIC
Image credit: © sudok1 / stock.adobe.com
