Cancer Control Opportunities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Cancer is low or absent on the health agendas of low- and middle-income countries (LMCs) despite the fact that more people die from cancer in these countries than from AIDS and malaria combined. International health organizations, bilateral aid agencies, and major foundations—which are instrumental in setting health priorities—also have largely ignored cancer in these countries. This book identifies feasible, affordable steps for LMCs and their international partners to begin to reduce the cancer burden for current and future generations. Stemming the growth of cigarette smoking tops the list to prevent cancer and all the other major chronic diseases. Other priorities include infant vaccination against the hepatitis B virus to prevent liver cancers and vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. Developing and increasing capacity for cancer screening and treatment of highly curable cancers (including most childhood malignancies) can be accomplished using "resource-level appropriateness" as a guide. And there are ways to make inexpensive oral morphine available to ease the pain of the many who will still die from cancer. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Cancer Causes and Risk Factors and the Elements of Cancer Control 3 The Cancer Burden in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and How It Is Measured 4 Defining Resource-Level-Appropriate Cancer Control 5 Preventing Cancers (and Other Diseases) by Reducing Tobacco Use 6 Compelling Opportunities in Global Cancer Control 7 Palliative Care 8 Cancer Centers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries 9 Advocacy for Cancer Control 10 Expanding the Role of the Global Community in Cancer Control Appendix A Cancer Control in Malaysia and Tanzania Appendix B Acronyms and Abbreviations