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Expanding Cancer Care and Control in Developing Countries
Expanding Cancer Care and Control in Developing Countries
The Global Forum for Health Research highlights the growing need for cancer care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in a ‘Call to Action’ paper published online in the Lancet (August 16, 2022).
Once considered a disease which primarily affects developing nations, cancer is now a leading cause of death and disability for poorer populations. Almost two-thirds of the 7.6 million cancer deaths in the world occur in LMICs.
A Call to Action
Professor Anthony Mbewu, executive director, joins key leaders from the global health and cancer communities to call for a global movement on cancer care and prevention.
"The Global Forum welcomes the 'Call to Action' launched by the Global Taskforce on Cancer Care and Control," he said.
"As a 'Forum for Investors in Research for Health' the Global Forum advocates for the use of research to achieve health for all, especially those in low and middle income countries."
Global Task Force on Expanded Access to Cancer Care and Control (GTF.CCC)
The Global Forum is among 19 organizations representing the Global Task Force on Expanded Access to Cancer Care and Control in Developing Countries (GTF.CCC).
With cyclist Lance Armstrong and HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan as honorary co-presidents, the Lancet paper asserts that the international community must discard the notion that cancer is a ‘disease of the rich’ and underline that it must become a global health priority.
Professor Mbewu added: "As the Taskforce highlights, two thirds of the 7.6 million deaths from cancer in the world evry year, occur in low and middle income countries; and there is a desperate need to ensure that those living with cancer in those countries have access to quality treatment; and that cancer preventive and health promotive interventions are available to all.
"The work of the Global Taskforce in coming years should help ensure that cancer treatment, prevention and palliation becomes available to millions in low and middle income countries in years to come."
The Lancet paper is authored by Paul Farmer, chair of the HMS department of global health and social medicine; Julio Frenk, dean of the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH); Felicia Knaul, Director of the Harvard Global Equity Initiative (HGEI) and HMS associate professor of social medicine; and Lawrence Shulman, chief medical officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and HMS associate professor of medicine at DFCI.
- Article doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61345-8