Can we do the same in the developing world?
BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer is among the most dangerous diseases affecting women worldwide. Its effects can be mitigated with a program of regular screening to address cancer and its precursors early. But, prevailing conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean make it difficult to implement successful early detection programs.


METHODS
To evaluate the scope of the problem, a review of international cervical cancer data and related literature were surveyed.


RESULTS
It was found that cervical cancer affects 37/100,000 women in Latin America, while the incidence is 7.8 in the United States and 8.2 in Canada.


CONCLUSIONS
Funding is needed to raise awareness of cervical cancer in Latin America, as well as to identify other obstacles to the success of screening programs in the region.
Bermudez
Adriana
A
Buenos Aires University Hospital, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Av. Cordoba N 1350, 5B, 1055 Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America. abermudez@fibertel.com.ar
D017691:Caribbean Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D019049:Developed Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality