Global health perspective on gynecologic oncology

Marcela G del Carmen; Laurel W Rice; Kathleen M Schmeler

doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.03.009

Global health perspective on gynecologic oncology

Gynecol Oncol. 2015 May;137(2):329-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.03.009. Epub 2015 Mar 14.

Authors

Marcela G del Carmen¹, Laurel W Rice², Kathleen M Schmeler³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States. Electronic address: mdelcarmen@partners.org.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, United States.
³ Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.

PMID: 25782635
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.03.009

Abstract

Objective: To describe challenges faced by low-middle income countries (LMICs) across the cancer spectrum, with specific focus on gynecologic cancers.

Methods: MEDLINE was searched for research articles published in English between January 1, 2000 and February 1, 2015 which reported on global health efforts in LMICs.

Results: An estimated 80% of global cancer burden and only 5% of global cancer spending affect LMICs. The overwhelming majority of cervical cancer cases and related deaths occur in LMICs. The charge to close this cancer divide is at the center of global health efforts.

Conclusions: Prevention is central to global health efforts to close the cancer divide. The gynecologic oncology community is well positioned to lead efforts in global health by partnering with institutions, professional societies and advocacy groups.

Keywords: Global; Health; Low-middle income countries.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Female
Genital Neoplasms, Female / economics
Genital Neoplasms, Female / epidemiology*
Global Health
Humans
Poverty