Urgent Call for Action on Cancers in Low-Income Countries

The Dual Burden of Diseases in LMICs

Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are currently facing a dual burden of diseases, grappling with both non-communicable diseases like cancer and persistent infectious ailments. As cancer cases in India are expected to increase by nearly 13% by 2025 compared to 2020, the urgency to exchange knowledge and best practices is critical.

Focus on Cancers Prevalent in LMICs

Dr. Shobha Krishnan, founder and president of the US-based Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC), highlighted the need for more attention towards cancers that are prevalent or unique to LMICs. During the first-ever US-India cancer dialogue in Delhi, she emphasized the importance of practical solutions, especially for cancers like cervical cancer, which imposes a significant burden in these regions.

Cost-Effective Measures and Solutions

Krishnan pointed out the availability of cost-effective measures, such as HPV vaccination, screening, and early treatment for positive cases, which should be prioritized in LMICs. Despite these solutions, cervical cancer remains one of the most significant threats to women’s health in developing countries, largely due to the lack of readily available screening methods.

Global Cancer Statistics and the Need for Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cancer was the second leading cause of death globally, responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Cervical cancer, in particular, is a major concern in LMICs, with around 94% of cervical cancer deaths occurring in these countries. Dr. Krishnan stressed that without immediate action, such as administering the HPV vaccine to girls and treating women with the disease, the death rate could double by 2050.

The Role of Global Collaborations

In June 2023, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the strong health partnership between the US and India by announcing new commitments to accelerate the fight against cancer. The US-India cancer dialogue, attended by experts from both countries, centered around AI-enabled innovation for cancer care, novel therapeutics, and other critical topics.

Awareness and Prevention

Awareness of breast cancer is significantly higher than that of cervical cancer, especially in developed countries where breast cancer receives more funding and attention. Dr. Krishnan called for more awareness and funding for cervical cancer in developing countries, where it remains a leading cause of death among women.

Conclusion

The discussions during the two-day cancer dialogue underscored the critical need for global collaborations and practical solutions to address the growing cancer burden in LMICs. With the right strategies and timely interventions, it is possible to reduce the impact of cancer and improve health outcomes in these regions.