Cancer in Peru: a detailed examination

Abstract

In 2013, we published a Commission titled, Planning cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean1 Goss PE Lee BL Badovinac-Crnjevic T et al. Planning cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lancet Oncol. 2013; 14: 391-436 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (324) Google Scholar that highlighted the potential harms of an increasing cancer epidemic in a region where infrastructure and funding is ill-equipped to cope with non-communicable diseases. The Commission also detailed specific barriers to cancer control for countries in this region, and suggested possible measures by which these barriers could be overcome. We revisited this area in a second Commission published in 2015, Progress and remaining challenges for cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2 Strasser-Weippl K Chavarri-Guerra Y Villarreal-Garza C et al. Progress and remaining challenges for cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lancet Oncol. 2015; 16: 1405-1438 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (111) Google Scholar which sought to examine what improvements had been made in the intervening years, what remained to be done, and what new issues had arisen. In this issue of The Lancet Oncology, we now publish a Series that contains a much more detailed examination of the cancer burden and control measures taken in one particular Latin American country—Peru. Peru is a good exemplar of how countries can seek assistance, through government-driven initiatives and international collaboration that help ameliorate the current, and future, impact of cancer. Cancer patterns, trends, and transitions in Peru: a regional perspectivePeru, like several other South American countries, is experiencing remarkable population growth, ageing, and urbanisation, which has given rise to profound changes in its epidemiological profile. Prostate and breast cancer are the most frequent cancers in men and women, respectively, in Lima and Arequipa, the two areas with population-based cancer registries. However, infection-associated cancers (cervix and stomach) are also common, and rank highest in the national cancer mortality profile. Although a foundation of surveillance informs cancer-control initiatives in Peru, improvements in the vital statistics system, and the quality and use of incidence data for the planning and assessment of cancer prevention and control actions, are needed. Full-Text PDF Assessment of cancer control capacity and readiness: the role of the International Atomic Energy AgencyDuring the past six decades, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has helped to address the growing cancer burden, by delivering substantial cancer-related assistance to low-income and middle-income member states. IAEA assistance has primarily been facilitated through sustainable radiotherapy and nuclear medicine programmes to establish safe and effective diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy capacity to safely treat patients with cancer. Planning of a National Cancer Control Programme starts with a needs assessment of all aspects of cancer control in the country to ensure evidence-based strategies are adapted to the country's specific needs. Full-Text PDF The implementation of the Plan Esperanza and response to the imPACT ReviewFollowing the implementation of the National Cancer Prevention and Control Results-based Budget Programme (PpR Cancer–024) in 2011, the Peruvian Government approved the Plan Esperanza—a population-based national cancer control plan—in 2012. Legislation that ensured full government-supported funding for people who were otherwise unable to access or afford care and treatment accompanied the Plan. In 2013, the Ministry of Health requested an integrated mission of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (imPACT) report to strengthen cancer control in Peru. Full-Text PDF Resource-stratified implementation of a community-based breast cancer management programme in PeruBreast cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to rise in Peru, with related deaths projected to increase from 1208 in 2012, to 2054 in 2030. Despite improvements in national cancer control plans, various barriers to positive breast cancer outcomes remain. Multiorganisational stakeholder collaboration is needed for the development of functional, sustainable early diagnosis, treatment and supportive care programmes with the potential to achieve measurable outcomes. In 2011, PATH, the Peruvian Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Institute in Lima, and the Regional Cancer Institute in Trujillo collaborated to establish the Community-based Program for Breast Health, the aim of which was to improve breast health-care delivery in Peru. Full-Text PDF