Cancer In Low- And Middle-income Countries Research Articles

Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: Any Alternative to Pap Smear?

Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: Any Alternative to Pap Smear?

The promise of POSIT: Real-world application of the Paediatric Oncology System Integration Tool

Childhood cancer presents significant acute and long-term challenges for patients,families, communities, and health systems. Although meaningful strides have been made in research and treatment, severe outcome disparities prevail between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs), with childhood cancer survival rates lower than 20% in LMICs, as compared with over 80% across many HICs. In recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on health system strengthening as a means to develop domestic policy and capacity for sustainable improvements in childhood cancer outcomes in LMICs. In pursuit of a systems approach to childhood cancer in LMICs, our research team developed the Paediatric Oncology System Integration Tool (POSIT)—the first comprehensive framework for the design and evaluation of childhood cancer systems. Since its development, POSIT has been applied in an exploration of key determinants of access to essential childhood cancer medicines across two separate multi-site studies. In this commentary, we explore the value of the POSIT framework and toolkit as a constructive systems-level guide for examining interactions between childhood cancer-specific programs and encompassing health system. socio-political, and economic contexts.

Abstract 26: Correlation of Childhood Cancer Mortality Trends and CureAll Metrics for 134 LMICs

Abstract Purpose: Disparities in cancer outcomes still remain in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), where less than 30% of children living with cancer survive. In this context, the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer has set the goal of achieving at least 60% survival for all countries by 2030. The aim of this study was to describe trends in childhood mortality rates for LMICs over time and evaluate their association with the health system metrics related to the WHO CureAll framework. Methods: In this ecological study, childhood cancer was defined as all-cancers for the age group of 0-14 years old. Data were collected from public data sources including the Global Burden of Disease, WHO cancer profiles and World Bank. Descriptive analyses were performed to investigate mortality rate patterns over time (1990-2019). Exposure variables including density of hospital beds, density of CT scanners, density of MRI scanners, density of density of external beam radiotherapy, out-of-pocket expenditure, and universal health coverage index were evaluated against percent change of mortality of cancer rates (1990-2019). Smooth regression lines were used to visualize inflections points within income level groups. Results: A total of 134 LMICs were included in this study. Overall, low-income countries had the major decrease in childhood mortality rates from 1900 to 2019. The top three countries with the highest decrease in rates were Malawi, Ethiopia, and Zambia deaths (-22.6 to -9.1/100,000 population). The top three countries with the highest increase in rates were Botswana, Burkina Faso, and Dominica (+1.2 to +1.8 deaths/100,000 population). The factors associated the most with changes in the childhood cancer mortality rates over time were improvements in infrastructure, such as increasing hospital beds and the availability of cancer treatments, increasing universal coverage, and decreasing out-of-pocket expenditures for healthcare costs. Conclusion: An improved understanding of cancer mortality trends and their relation with health system variables in LMICs is important to monitor and evaluate progress in survival rates for children living with cancer in these countries. This study intends to provide insights on the use of health system metrics related to the WHO CureAll framework as priority interventions for childhood cancer in LMICs. Citation Format: Hannah Rice, Emily Smith, Cesia Cotache-Condor, Esther Majaliwa, Pamela Espinoza, Madeline Metcalf, Henry Rice. Correlation of Childhood Cancer Mortality Trends and CureAll Metrics for 134 LMICs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 26.

Abstract 85: The Social and Economic Impact of a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis on Women and Children in Uganda

Abstract Purpose: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer for women living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In Uganda 40% of all female cancer cases are cervical cancer. There is a need for more research on the social and economic impacts of cervical cancer in LMICs in order to provide evidence for expanded cervical cancer screening programs. The goal of this study is the understand the economic impact of cervical cancer on women and children in Uganda. Methods: Data collection for this study began in September and will continue until December 2022. Participants were recruited by nurses at two clinics at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala and Jinja. Participants were eligible if they are being treated for cervical cancer and speak either English, Lusoga, Luo, Runyankore, or Luganda. Each participant completed a 45-minute orally administered survey on REDCap. Descriptive statistics using counts and frequencies were used to describe primary outcomes which include changes in a child’s education and a family’s economic status. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of British Columbia, Uganda Cancer Institute, and Uganda National Council for Science & Technology. Results: To date 67 participants have completed the survey and 57 indicated that they had children living in their household. The mean age of participants is 49 years. The majority of participants are married, have a primary school education or less, and were diagnosed with stage II or stage III cancer. Women reported traveling up to 14 hours to receive cancer treatment and 28% (n=19) brought their child with them to the clinic because they could not find childcare. In all, 93% (n=62) of women indicated that they have paid out of pocket for some type of medical care with 15% (n=9) of women noting that they stopped at least one treatment because of the cost. Approximately 15% of women reported that they cut down on food consumed and withdrew their child from school to help pay for cancer care. Conclusion: We found that a cervical cancer diagnosis has not only on women, but their children as well, confirming that while largely preventable, cervical cancer has far-reaching impact beyond the woman diagnosed. The results of this study can be used to provide further evidence of the urgent need expand cervical cancer screening programs not only in Uganda, but similar countries as well. This in turn will help contribute to the eventual global elimination of cervical cancer. Citation Format: Hallie Dau, Shamim Nakyazze, Priscilla Naguti, Avery McNair, Beth Payne, Marianne Vidler, Joel Singer, Laurie Smith, Jackson Orem, Carolyn Nakisige, Gina Ogilvie. The Social and Economic Impact of a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis on Women and Children in Uganda [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 85.

Measuring Global Inequity in Radiation Therapy: Resource Deficits in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Without Radiation Therapy Facilities

Although radiation therapy (RT) is an effective and inexpensive pillar of multidisciplinary cancer care, access to RT facilities remains highly inequitable globally. Numerous studies have documented this resource gap, yet many countries continue facing their raging cancer epidemics ill-equipped. In this study, we present an estimation of resource deficits in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) without any RT facilities at all. This study builds on publicly available data on country classification, population, cancer incidence, and RT requirements provided by the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Leveraging these data, we developed a capacity-planning model to estimate the current deficit of fundamental RT resources for LMICs with more than 1 million inhabitants and no active RT facilities. There were 23 LMICs with a population of more than 1 million inhabitants and without any active RT facilities, 78% of which were located in sub-Saharan Africa. The aggregate population of these countries was 197.3 million people. The largest countries without RT facilities were Afghanistan and Malawi, with a population of 38.0 million and 18.6 million inhabitants, respectively. Estimated cancer incidence for all countries under study totaled at 134,783 new cases per year, 84,239 (62.5%) of which would have required RT. There was an aggregate deficit of 188 megavoltage machines and 85 brachytherapy afterloaders, along with simulation equipment and human capital in the magnitude of approximately 3363 trained radiation oncology staff. Hundreds of thousands of patients with cancer in LMICs continue to live in countries without access to RT in their own country. This extreme form of global health inequity requires urgent and decisive action, the success of which depends on the integration of international and local efforts.

Cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in Egypt: Lessons to promote high-value care in a resource-limited setting based on real-world evidence.

Childhood cancer in low-and middle-income countries is a global health priority, however, the perception that treatment is unaffordable has potentially led to scarce investment in resources, contributing to inferior survival. In this study, we analysed real-world data about the cost-effectiveness of treating 8886 children with cancer at a large resource-limited paediatric oncology setting in Egypt, between 2013 and 2017, stratified by cancer type, stage/risk, and disease status. Childhood cancer costs (USD 2019) were calculated from a health-system perspective, and 5-year overall survival was used to represent clinical effectiveness. We estimated cost-effectiveness as the cost per disability-adjusted life-year (cost/DALY) averted, adjusted for utility decrement for late-effect morbidity and mortality. For all cancers combined, cost/DALY averted was $1384 (0.5×GDP/capita), which is very cost-effective according to WHO-CHOICE thresholds. Ratio of cost/DALY averted to GDP/capita varied by cancer type/sub-type and disease severity (range: 0.1-1.6), where it was lowest for Hodgkin lymphoma, and retinoblastoma, and highest for high-risk acute leukaemia, and high-risk neuroblastoma. Treatment was cost-effective (ratio <3×GDP/capita) for all cancer types/subtypes and risk/stage groups, except for relapsed/refractory acute leukaemia, and relapsed/progressive patients with brain tumours, hepatoblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and neuroblastoma. Treatment cost-effectiveness was affected by the high costs and inferior survival of advanced-stage/high-risk and relapsed/progressive cancers. Childhood cancer treatment is cost-effective in a resource-limited setting in Egypt, except for some relapsed/progressive cancer groups. We present evidence-based recommendations and lessons to promote high-value in care delivery, with implications on practice and policy. Egypt Cancer Network; NIHR School for Primary Care Research; ALSAC.

Cancer and nutrition among children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries

ABSTRACT Objective : The primary purpose of this review is to investigate the relationships between cancer and nutrition in children and adolescents living in resource-poor, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in order to explore potential opportunities for interventions which could improve clinical outcomes in this population. Method : The implications of overlapping age groups of children and adolescents with cancer are examined, as are the adverse influences of under-nutrition and socio-economic deprivation on the efficacy of treatment and cancer survival. Evidence suggestive of novel avenues to enhance prospects for cure, based on increased understanding of the dynamic of nutrition and cancer, is evaluated. Result : Cancer adds to the burden of under-nutrition in disadvantaged populations which is reflective, in large measure, on inadequate governmental expenditure on health which demands public-private partnerships and the use of hospital-based foundations. Structured approaches to the measurement of nutritional status and the design of effective programmes of nutritional supplementation are of proven benefit. Initial results from studies of the perturbed gut microbiome hold considerable promise for further gains. Conclusion A large minority of children with cancer in LMICs are never diagnosed and the same may be true of adolescents. Investing in the training of nutritionists will have substantial returns as will increasing access to essential medicines. Recognition of these challenges has stimulated WHO and other entities to devise major strategies for comprehensive changes in the care of children and adolescents with cancer in LMICs, offering realistic prospects for improved clinical outcomes.

Coordination Models for Cancer Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review.

Background: The coordination of cancer care among multiple providers is vital to improve care quality and ensure desirable health outcomes across the cancer continuum, yet evidence is scarce of this being optimally achieved in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective: Through this scoping review, our objective was to understand the scope of cancer care coordination interventions and services employed in LMICs, in order to synthesise the existing evidence and identify key models and their elements used to manage and/or improve cancer care coordination in these settings. Methods: A detailed search strategy was conducted, aligned with the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. Articles were examined for evidence of coordination interventions used in cancer care in LMICs. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension Guidelines for Scoping Reviews, which included a checklist and explanation. The PRISMA flow diagram was utilised to report the screening of results. Data were extracted, categorised and coded to allow for a thematic analysis of the results. Results: Fourteen studies reported on coordination interventions in cancer care in LMICs. All studies reported a positive impact of cancer coordination interventions on the primary outcome measured. Most studies reported on a patient navigation model at different points along the cancer care continuum. Conclusions: An evidence-based and culturally sensitive plan of care that aims to promote coordinated and efficient multidisciplinary care for patients with suspicion or diagnosis of cancer in LMICs is feasible and might improve the quality of care and efficiency.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and less invasive surgery for the management of early stage cervical cancer: A brief report from Botswana

The majority of deaths from cervical cancer occur in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). The standard of care for early-stage cervical cancer (FIGO 2018 IA2-IB1) is radical hysterectomy, a procedure performed by trained gynecologic oncologists. However, the lack of gynecologic oncologists in LMICs has required exploration into other methods of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. A potential course of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by simple hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node sampling, which can be performed by a general gynecologist. We gathered data for 8 women who underwent this method of treatment and found that cause-specific survival was 100% over a 3.5-year median follow-up. These findings support the exploration for this method of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer in LMICs, which would improve access to treatment for these women and hopefully reduce the high burden of cervical cancer related deaths in LMICs.

Molecular diagnostics to reduce inequity in breast cancer diagnosis.

548 Background: Modern management of breast cancer requires proper subtyping of the breast tumor to guide appropriate treatment and prognostication. However, there are barriers to availability of this resource in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) which contributes to global inequalities in breast cancer management and outcomes. The non-availability is due to high cost, and lack of personnel and infrastructure required for immunohistochemistry (IHC), the current gold standard for subtyping. IHC results are affected by pre-analytic and analytic handling and are subjective. Alternative methods that are more objective, cost less and require less infrastructure and skilled personnel will improve access and reduce disparities. Methods: In the AFBRECANE Project, we compared the results of ER and PR subtyping of 1,000 breast cancer tumors from patients recruited from 5 clinical sites in Nigeria using IHC and Cepheid GeneXpert RNA STRAT4 biomarker assay at ACCME Lab in Nigeria and University of Maryland. Results: For ER, the sensitivities, specificities, and agreement between IHC and STRAT4 ranged from 50.0%, 71.4% and 59.4% to 77.1%, 80.0% and 78.5% while for PR, they ranged from 58.1%, 66.7% and 62.5% to 84.6%, 84.2% and 84.4%. Conclusions: The wide range of sensitivities, specificities, and agreement between IHC and STRAT4 in this study confirms the challenges of molecular subtyping of breast cancer in LMICs like Nigeria. Sustainable objective methods are sorely needed to improve diagnosis, treatment and prognostication, and reduce global disparities.

Methylparaben as a preservative in the development of a multi-dose HPV-2 vaccine

ABSTRACT The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is the simplest, most economical, convenient, and effective method of preventing cervical cancer. However, the current HPV vaccine is supplied as a single-dose vial with a relatively high cost per dose, which hinders its supply to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the demand for HPV vaccine is highest. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a multi-dose HPV vaccine to promote large-scale affordable vaccination in LMICs. Moreover, the addition of preservatives is required to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in multi-dose vaccines within a single vial. In this study, we investigated the effects of six preservatives on HPV 16L1 and 18L1 virus-like particles in solution, as well as the aluminum adsorption status, under normal and high-temperature conditions. Multiple methods were employed, including dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, an in vitro relative potency assay, and an in vivo potency assay in mice. Based on the above results, four types of selected preservatives were further studied, and an antimicrobial effectiveness test was performed on the HPV-2 vaccine, which was employed as a model HPV vaccine. Finally, three preservatives were selected based on their performance to evaluate the long-term stability of the HPV-2 vaccine. The results indicated that 0.12% methylparaben is the most suitable preservative for the multi-dose HPV-2 vaccine, guaranteeing the shelf life for at least three years and meeting “B” standards for antimicrobial effectiveness. The formula developed in this study can contribute toward combating cervical cancer in LMICs.

High-resolution disease maps for cancer control in low-resource settings: A spatial analysis of cervical cancer incidence in Kampala, Uganda.

BackgroundThe global burden of cervical cancer is concentrated in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the greatest burden in Africa. Targeting limited resources to populations with the greatest need to maximize impact is essential. The objectives of this study were to geocode cervical cancer data from a population-based cancer registry in Kampala, Uganda, to create high-resolution disease maps for cervical cancer prevention and control planning, and to share lessons learned to optimize efforts in other low-resource settings.MethodsKampala Cancer Registry records for cervical cancer diagnoses between 2008 and 2015 were updated to include geographies of residence at diagnosis. Population data by age and sex for 2014 was obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Indirectly age-standardized incidence ratios were calculated for sub-counties and estimated continuously across the study area using parish level data.ResultsOverall, among 1873 records, 89.6% included a valid sub-county and 89.2% included a valid parish name. Maps revealed specific areas of high cervical cancer incidence in the region, with significant variation within sub-counties, highlighting the importance of high-resolution spatial detail.ConclusionsPopulation-based cancer registry data and geospatial mapping can be used in low-resource settings to support cancer prevention and control efforts, and to create the potential for research examining geographic factors that influence cancer outcomes. It is essential to support LMIC cancer registries to maximize the benefits from the use of limited cancer control resources.

Timeliness of diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers and associated factors in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

ObjectivesAddressing the barriers to early breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires a sound understanding and accurate assessment of diagnostic timeliness. This review aimed to...

Building Capacity for Global Cancer Research: Existing Opportunities and Future Directions.

Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where more than 75% of global cancer burden will occur by the year 2040. The primary drivers of cancer morbidity and mortality in LMICs are environmental and behavioral risk factors, inadequate prevention and early detection services, presence of comorbidities, and poor access to treatment and palliation. These same drivers also contribute to marked cancer health disparities in high-income countries. Studying cancer in LMICs provides opportunities to better understand and address these drivers to benefit populations worldwide, and reflecting this, global oncology as an academic discipline has grown substantially in recent years. However, sustaining this growth requires a uniquely trained workforce with the skills to pursue relevant, rigorous, and equitable global oncology research. Despite this need, dedicated global cancer research training programs remain somewhat nascent and uncoordinated. In this paper, we discuss efforts to address these gaps in global cancer research training at the US National Institutes of Health.

Screening test accuracy of portable devices that can be used to perform colposcopy for detecting CIN2+ in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPortable devices that can be used to perform colposcopy may improve cervical cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where access to colposcopy is limited. The objective of this study was to systematically review the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of these devices for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+).MethodsIn accordance with our protocol (Prospero CRD42018104286), we searched Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials up to 9/2019. We included DTA studies, which investigated portable devices with moderate-to-high optical magnification (≥ 6×) for colposcopy, as described in the manual for Colposcopy and Treatment by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, with a histopathological reference standard. We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess study quality. We examined results for sensitivity and specificity in paired forest plots, stratified by stages in the clinical pathway. We pooled estimates of test accuracy for the index test, used as an add-on to other tests, using a bivariate random-effect model.ResultsWe screened 1737 references and assessed 239 full-text articles for eligibility. Five single-gate DTA studies, including 2693 women, met the inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated two devices (Gynocular™ and Pocket) at different stages of the screening pathway. In three studies, which used the index test in an add-on capacity in 1273 women, we found a pooled sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI 0.55–0.92) and specificity of 0.83 (95% CI 0.59–0.94). The main sources of bias were partial verification, incorporation and classification bias.ConclusionFew studies have evaluated portable devices able to perform colposcopy, so their accuracy for the detection of CIN2+ remains uncertain. Future studies should include patient-relevant and long-term outcomes, including missed cases, overtreatment, residual and recurrent disease. To meet the challenge of eliminating cervical cancer in LMIC, methods for visual assessment of the cervix need urgent redress.

Surgical management of cervical cancer in a resource-limited setting: One year of data from the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka.

To evaluate the surgical management of cervical cancer without the use of preoperative pelvic imaging in a resource-limited setting. A retrospective study was carried out using clinical records and the ongoing electronic database at the Gynaecological Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute (Apeksha Hospital), Maharagama, Sri Lanka. Details regarding the radical hysterectomies carried out from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, were retrospectively studied. Out of nearly 700 patients with cervical cancer admitted during the year 2019, 57 surgically managed radical hysterectomies were included. Of these, seven cases were ineligible and excluded and 50 cases of radical hysterectomies were included for analysis. Mean age was 53.6±9.5years and median parity was 3 (range 2-4). Of the cases, 94% were found to have no parametrial involvement showing the success of clinical examination in assessing local tumor spread. Overall, 11 (22.0%) were upstaged due to lymph node metastasis that was statistically significant. Preoperative clinical staging is a practical method in selecting surgically treatable cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Combining clinical assessment with comparatively more readily available computed tomography scans could be helpful in triaging patients for treatment of cervical cancer in LMICs.

Improving Care for Children With Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa Through Distance-Based Nursing Education

PURPOSE Nursing specialization in the care of children with cancer provides the foundation for implementing successful pediatric oncology treatment programs throughout the world. Whereas the burden of childhood cancer care is highest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), opportunities for continuing nursing specialization are extremely limited. The Global HOPE Initiative, part of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, has developed and implemented a distance-based training program for nurses working in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS After a needs assessment, the program was developed using the Internet-based, open-sourced education platform, MOODLE. MOODLE is an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, an online learning management system that provides custom learning environments. As Internet access can be difficult at the clinical sites, computer tablets are provided with all educational materials downloaded from the MOODLE learning site. Courses are taught using a modular approach and core competencies established for each module. Zoom and WhatsApp technologies are used for shared learning discussions. A Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) for Global HOPE Nursing was implemented monthly to support the growth of the distance-based learning network. RESULTS This distance-based education program teaches the principles of nursing care for a child with cancer and has been implemented in Malawi, Uganda, and Botswana, where 35 nurses are now enrolled. Formal course evaluation includes written pre- and post-tests and simulated checkoffs on essential pediatric oncology nursing competencies, such as chemotherapy administration. Sixteen nurses have completed the program in the first year and significant improvement in knowledge, self-competency, and skills was found. CONCLUSION The success of this distance-based learning program emphasizes the importance of formal training for nurses in LMICs to become full-time specialists in pediatric oncology nursing. Education programs that build capacity to develop specialists in pediatric oncology nursing are essential to improve global cure rates for children with cancer in LMICs.

The cooperation between professional societies contributes to the capacity building and system development for prevention and control of cancer in low- and middle-income countries: the practice of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Project in Cambodia.

Globally, an estimated 570,000 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 311,000 women die every year, with approximately 90% of the cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in Cambodia, with age-standard incidence rate of 13.5/100,000 and mortality rate of 10.1/100,000. This paper introduces the educational and managerial interventions of Cambodia Cervical Cancer Project 2015-2018 by two professional societies of Cambodia and Japan. It can be categorized into three phases: health education and screening; diagnosis and treatment of precancerous lesions; and pathology service. Human papillomavirus test-based cancer screening and treatment of precancerous lesions were successfully initiated. Key factors contributed to optimal outcomes are partnership between two professional societies with strong commitment, and a comprehensive and stepwise quality-focused approach. A complementary role and joint society initiatives is a novel approach and substantial in sustainability for developing a system of cervical cancer management. This effort might serve as a good example how professional societies can contribute to capacity building and system development for prevention and control of cancer in LMICs.

Can International Patent Law Help Mitigate Cancer Inequity in LMICs?

Although low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear 75% of the cancer burden globally, their available resources to treat cancer constitute less than 5% of global health resources. This inequity makes it imperative to take appropriate measures to treat and prevent cancer in LMICs, which should include consideration of trade and patent policies. This article highlights some impediments to effective use of existing policies to promote access to treatment and prevention measures in LMICs and offers recommendations about next steps.

The barriers to initiating lung cancer care in low-and middle-income countries.

Lung cancer in low-and middle-income countries is the leading and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in males and females, respectively. This, in part, is due to late presentation of patients in health facilities and late diagnosis, thereby compromising the effectiveness of treatment and resulting in poor treatment outcomes. Investigating patients’ late presentation to health facilities and late diagnosis, as barriers to achieving good treatment outcomes, is an important step towards improving the existing pathways of care. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to critically review the published and unpublished literature, including government reports on lung cancer care, with regards to the barriers to patient access, referral, diagnosis and treatment in low-and middle-income countries. The emphasis is on access point and the primary care continuum. This review has been packaged into themes in order to efficiently inform researchers and cancer health professionals, on the existing gaps necessary for developing appropriate intervention strategies and policy guidelines. This review has revealed that the timeous and correct diagnosis of lung cancer enables lung specialists to engage on options for improved patient care. Currently, there are variations in lung cancer management in low-and middle-income countries. Many of the factors impacting on health care outcomes are a function of patient circumstances and/or understanding, leading to delays in presentation to health facilities. Factors pertaining to individual patient circumstances are further compounded by inefficiencies within the health care system. Therefore, limited health system capacities and competing health priorities in these settings require action.