The global fight against cancer reveals a stark contrast between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with profound disparities in gynaecological cancer care. According to a recent perspective published in The Lancet, this cancer divides highlights how socioeconomic inequities shape access to quality healthcare. In HICs, advancements in diagnostics, therapies, and surgeries have improved patient outcomes. However, for women in LMICs, access to even the most basic cancer care remains limited. In these regions, where gynaecological cancers such as cervical and ovarian cancers are prevalent, the lack of essential healthcare infrastructure exacerbates mortality rates.
Cervical cancer, a preventable disease through HPV vaccination, is a case in point. While vaccination programs in HICs have drastically reduced incidence rates, LMICs continue to bear the brunt of cervical cancer deaths, accounting for 90% of global fatalities. The challenges are multifaceted, ranging from cultural stigma and misinformation to inadequate healthcare facilities. In addition to cervical cancer, endometrial and ovarian cancers face similar inequities in diagnosis and treatment.
These cancers, particularly ovarian cancer, which has the highest mortality rate among gynaecological cancers, often present in advanced stages in LMICs due to limited access to early detection and screening technologies.
Addressing these disparities requires a concerted effort from global health organizations, local governments, and healthcare providers to prioritize women’s health. Developing cost-effective interventions, improving access to vaccines, and scaling up healthcare infrastructure in resource-limited settings are essential steps in narrowing the global cancer divide.
Journal article: Kyrgiou, M., et al., 2024. Innovation in gynaecological cancer: Highlighting global disparities. The Lancet Oncology.
Summary by Faith Oluwamakinde
