In a poignant revelation on World Cancer Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has unearthed a disheartening truth—only 39% of participating countries encompass the basics of cancer management in their financed core health services. This glaring gap in coverage raises serious concerns about the accessibility of essential cancer treatments for citizens globally.
In the e latest estimates, the WHO states that in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.
FINANCING CHALLENGES: A STARK REALITY
Delving deeper into the financing challenge, the report reveals that a mere 28% of countries extend coverage to palliative care, leaving a void in pain relief services. The oversight in addressing the holistic needs of patients, especially those requiring palliative care, demands immediate attention to ensure comprehensive and compassionate cancer care.
LUNG, BREAST, AND COLORECTAL CANCERS TAKE CENTER STAGE
The new estimates available on IARC’s Global Cancer Observatory show that 10 types of cancer collectively comprised around two-thirds of new cases and deaths globally in 2022. A closer look at the major cancer landscape in 2022 paints a picture dominated by lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, collectively contributing to two-thirds of new cases and deaths worldwide. The relentless prevalence of lung cancer, notably in Asia due to persistent tobacco use, stands out as a pressing concern demanding targeted interventions.
The Global Cancer Report spotlights stark inequities linked to the Human Development Index (HDI), with breast cancer emerging as a poignant example. In countries with very high HDI, where 1 in 12 women is diagnosed with breast cancer, the stark contrast in low HDI countries reveals a diagnosis rate of 1 in 27, shedding light on the urgent need for addressing these disparities.
WIDE DISPARITIES IN HEALTH BENEFIT PACKAGES (HBPS)
The report unravels significant disparities in cancer services, with lung cancerrelated services being 4–7 times more likely to be included in the health benefit packages (HBPs) of high-income countries compared to their lower-income counterparts. This glaring divide emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach in shaping health benefit packages globally.
RADIANT DISPARITIES IN RADIATION SERVICES
Notably, a four-fold greater likelihood of radiation services being covered in high-income countries’ HBPs than in lower-income countries amplifies the glaring disparities in access to critical cancertreatments. Bridging this gap is essential to ensure that radiation services are universally accessible, irrespective of the economic standing of nations.
STEM-CELL TRANSPLANTATION DISPARITY
The report’s most striking revelation unfolds in the domain of stem-cell transplantation, with a shocking 12 times higher likelihood of inclusion in HBPs of high-income countries compared to lower-income nations. Addressing this extreme imbalance becomes paramount in fostering a more equitable landscape for cancertreatment globally.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION: A GLOBAL IMPERATIVE
WHO’s survey sheds light on major global inequalities, revealing populations, especially in lower-income countries, unable to access the basics of cancercare. The call for major investments becomes more urgent than ever, emphasizing the need for a robust financial framework to protect individuals from the economic burdens associated with cancercare.
POLITICAL WILL: A KEY DRIVER OF CHANGE
The report underscores that ensuring equitable cancer care transcends resource allocation—it’s a matter of political will. Governments and global leaders must prioritize cancercare, ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, quality services. The need for political commitment to drive change on a global scale cannot be overstated.
PROJECTED BURDEN INCREASE IN 2050: A LOOMING CRISIS
As the report projects a 77% increase in new cases to over 35 million by 2050, the urgency of addressing the global cancer crisis becomes even more evident. The burden is not evenly distributed, with low and medium HDI countries facing a staggering 142% and 99% increase in incidence, respectively. The disproportionate impact on these nations necessitates immediate attention to avert a looming crisis.
