title: Global health from a cancer care perspective.
abstract: Cancer is now recognized as one of the four leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and incidence is expected to rise significantly in the next two decades. Unfortunately, low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) suffer disproportionately from the world's cancer cases. The growing burden of cancer and maldistribution of cancer care resources in LMIC warrant a massive re-evaluation of the structural inequalities that produce global oncological disparities and a worldwide commitment to improve both prevention and treatment strategies. Efforts to improve cancer care capacity should focus on horizontal strengthening of healthcare systems that provide safe, affordable, effective and sustainable care. In response to current deficiencies, many international organizations have started to partner with LMIC to create solutions. Telemedicine and international collaboration are also promising ways to effect change and improve global oncological care.
authors.affiliation: Brown University 6683, 69 Brown Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
authors.forename: Madeline
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pesec
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 1600 Divisadero St, Suite H-1031, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sherertz
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics; D014943:Global Health / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D017216:Telemedicine
keywords: cancer; chemotherapy; global health; low-income countries; middle-income countries; oncology; public health; radiotherapy; research; social justice; surgery; telemedicine