Global researchers from across the world including Indias Srinath Reddy,who heads Public Health Foundation,have stressed on the need for a large scale global response to combat the threat from cancer similar to HIV and TB control initiatives in a recent public health policy paper published in the Lancet.1 Stating that cancer is an under-funded health problem and an important cause of premature death in resource poor settings,the paper urges the need to employ innovative treatment models and new investment options as control strategies in the health system to meet the challenges of fighting with cancer in middle and low income countries like India. Their study supports Global Task Forces Expanded Access to Cancer Care and Control in Developing Countries to prevent and treat cancer by deployment of primary and secondary caregivers,use of affordable drugs,and application of regional and global mechanisms for financing and procurement including national health insurance coverage for people living in poverty all of which can reduce costs,increase access to health services,and strengthen health systems necessary to meet the challenges of cancer and other diseases. The health policy report also calls for coordinated efforts and synergy among international organizations,such as WHO,the World Bank and regional development banks,bilateral donors,national research funding bodies,NGOs,government,local,regional and global civil society organizations. In addition to the prevention of new cancer by reduction of risk factors,the panel has proposed three changes to fill the gaping voids in cancer care and control. Firstly,to build infrastructure,train health professionals and harness new technologies especially in the field of telemedicine to overcome many on-sire limitations in resources besides careful evaluation and monitoring measures introduced. Secondly,design and implement regional and global pricing and procurement mechanisms by participating in multi - country negotiations to secure reduced prices for essential services and medications. Thirdly,identification and implementation of innovative financing mechanisms from private,bilateral,and multilateral donors which can decisively expand the financial resources available for prevention,treatment and palliative care by strengthening entire health systems. Said Dr K Srinath Reddy,president,Public Health Foundation of India,There is a huge number of cancer patients in India and this number is steadily rising among all sections of the society. Currently advanced treatments are currently available only at tertiary care centers located in major cities. There is a need to integrate diagnosis and treatment into the public healthcare system that goes beyond palliative care. The paper assumes importance in the wake of the United Nations General Assembly summit on non communicable diseases scheduled to be held in September next year. Once thought to be a problem almost exclusive to the developed world,cancer is now a leading cause of death and disability in poor countries. In 1970,15% of newly reported cancers were in developing countries,compared with 56% in 2008.By 2030,the proportion is expected to be 70%. Almost two-thirds of the 7·6 million deaths every year from cancer worldwide occur in low-income and middle income countries. The overall,case fatality from cancer is estimated to be 75% in countries of low income,72% in countries of low-middle income,64% in countries of high-middle income,and 46% in countries of high income. Commenting on the state of cancer in India,Harmala Gupta,President,CanSupport said,The major challenges of cancer control include the stigma attached to cancer,the expensive treatment and the lack of services in India. 80% of cancer patients in India are suffering with cancers which are at a very late stage and are non amenable to treatment,so palliative care is very important.
