Cancer burden in low-income and middle-income countries

Abstract

As cancer detection rates and therapy successes increase in high-income countries, it is predicted that over the next decade more than 75% of cancer-related deaths will occur in low-income and middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa, which contains many of these countries, is currently unprepared with inadequate screening and detection methods, treatment and palliative care capacity. In this Viewpoint, we asked experts to discuss this burden and what is needed to alleviate it. In this Viewpoint, we asked four experts to discuss the increasing burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries; they explore the changes that are necessary to improve cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment within these nations.