Challenges for breast and gynecological cancer control by early detection in less-developed countries

Abstract

Early detection and adequate treatment are important approaches in the control of breast, cervix, corpus uteri, and ovarian cancers as they significantly improve survival outcome and quality of life. Cancer early detection approaches include screening programs and early clinical diagnosis through improved awareness and health service infrastructure and accessibility. High level of public awareness and well-developed and accessible health services are vital for the success of both approaches. While there are screening programs for breast and cervical cancers in high-income and selected less-developed countries, screening programs for cancer of the corpus uteri and ovary have not yet evolved. Integrating cervix and breast cancer screening into the general healthcare services is challenging. Political will, funding, and well-developed health services are important requirements for screening programs, which are not readily met in many less-developed countries, with the result that such programs exist only in two low-income countries and in approximately 20 middle-income countries. A more widely applicable early detection approach relies on early clinical diagnosis among people with symptoms and signs. Development of health policy, appropriate advocacy, resource allocation, and investments in improving health services meet with several challenges. Most information about barriers for participation in early detection initiatives in less-developed countries has been derived from qualitative studies. Larger quantitative studies are essential to further address the challenges and opportunities for early detection of cancer in routine health services. Promotion of education, awareness, and empowerment of women to seek health care, development of infrastructure for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, and, when resources permit, organized screening programs are important to improve early detection and reduce the burden of breast and cervical cancer in less-developed countries.