Commentary: Infection-related cancers in low- and middle-income countries: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

As non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rise in prominence as sources of morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), focus on cancer prevention and control activities has increased. These transitions coincide with improved prevention and treatment of infectious causes of death [e.g., tuberculosis, malaria, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection], whereas NCDs such as cancer and cardiovascular disease related to tobacco consumption and poor dietary practices have increased. These changes also coincide with population expansion and aging in LMICs. In this issue of IJE, 1 Remais and colleagues discuss some of the factors contributing to ‘the convergence of noncommunicable and infectious diseases in LMICs’ and the importance of aligning existing infectious disease programmes with NCD prevention efforts. Notably, many cancers occurring in LMICs are related to infections that may be prevented and/or treated to preclude the development of cancer. In this commentary we provide a framework with which to consider infection-related cancers, and discuss challenges and opportunities for their control in LMICs. In 2008, infection-related cancers accounted for 22.9% of all cancers in less-developed countries (including 32.7% in sub-Saharan Africa) in contrast to 7.4% in developed countries. 2 Another study found that in 2008, the most common cancers in nations that were low in the Human Development Index (HDI), in which nations are ranked according to life expectancy, education, and gross domestic product, were (in order): cervical, female breast, liver, Kaposi