Training global oncologists: addressing the global cancer control problem.

Surbhi Grover,Kosj Yamoah,Lawrence N Shulman,Mira Shah,Adam C Olson,Danielle Rodin,Jeremy S Slone,C Norman Coleman,Stephen M Hahn,Reinou Groen,Onyinye D Balogun

doi:10.3389/fonc.2015.00080

Abstract

The global incidence of cancer has increased by approximately 20% in the past decade, an increase mostly due to cases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (1). By 2020, up to 70% of the 20 million annual new cancer cases are expected to occur in LMICs (2). The incidence of cancer in LMICs is increasing rapidly; however, many countries are not prepared to address this epidemic. Cancer survival rates in LMICs are often less than one-third of those in high-income countries (3). In addition to local capacity-building efforts, the involvement of the oncology community from high-income countries will be instrumental in changing the course of this impending global cancer crisis. There is a vital need to train global oncologists to work with colleagues in LMICs to develop sustainable capacity and infrastructure for clinical oncology care, research, and education. However, enumeration of specific goals and novel programs, and the path to implementing these programs, is not clear. Oncology programs in North America lack formal training or exposure to global oncology. Even without a formal curriculum, with the rise in global health (GH) oncology interest, several opportunities have developed for trainees committed to GH. We describe herein current opportunities and future directions for oncology trainees in the United States (US) who are interested in pursuing careers as global oncologists.

Highlights

The global incidence of cancer has increased by approximately 20% in the past decade, an increase mostly due to cases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]
We describe current opportunities and future directions for oncology trainees in the United States (US) who are interested in pursuing careers as global oncologists
In recent years, a number of training programs have allowed oncology residents and fellows to participate in international electives and to enrich their global health (GH) perspective

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The global incidence of cancer has increased by approximately 20% in the past decade, an increase mostly due to cases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]. Cancer survival rates in LMICs are often less than one-third of those in high-income countries [3]. In addition to local capacitybuilding efforts, the involvement of the oncology community from high-income countries will be instrumental in changing the course of this impending global cancer crisis. There is a vital need to train global oncologists to work with colleagues in LMICs to develop sustainable capacity and infrastructure for clinical oncology care, research, and education. We describe current opportunities and future directions for oncology trainees in the United States (US) who are interested in pursuing careers as global oncologists

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Findings

CONCLUSION