Control of cancer of the cervix in low- and middle-income countries.

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally but the second most common in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The high burden of cervical cancer in developing countries reflects the absence of cervical cancer prevention programs. The majority of the incident cases and deaths from cervical cancer, greater than 85%, occur in developing countries, where resources for early detection and treatment are severely limited. Survival from cancer in Africa is very poor due to late presentation and lack of access to effective treatment. Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology are not available in many parts of SSA. It is estimated that by 2030 cancer will affect much larger numbers of people living in low- and middle-income countries. Very few, if any, are prepared for or have sufficient health care infrastructure to provide acceptable services. It is imperative that governments in low- and middle-income countries pay urgent attention to the problem by developing National Cancer Control Programs, which should include population-based registries and data collection systems that allow an accurate evaluation of the burden of disease and hence resources required to meet it.