Cancer management at sites with limited resources: Challenges and potential solutions

Abstract

Cancer burden is increasing worldwide in the current century, and given that its management paradigm is associated with tremendous financial, social, and physiologic complications, it is imperative that nations prepare themselves for a comprehensive management program. The developed countries are barely able to cope up with the exponential increase in the cancer-related services, and the current situation in developing countries, that is, low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is much worse. Here, we present a general guidance for establishment of a comprehensive cancer care program, delineating the current challenges and some suggestions/recommendations to overcome the obstacles in LMICs. We touch upon the major themes related to cancer care which include (1) medical services, data, and infrastructure, (2) human resources issues, (3) quality management and access to care, and (4) the public heath crises with respect to cancer. We hope that this chapter offers practical guidance to the private and public stakeholders to alleviate the current burden of cancer-related suffering.