Cancer Screening in the Developing World

by Madelon L. Finkel PhD (Editor)

Worldwide, cancer is responsible for one in eight deaths—more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. This global burden starkly illustrates the inequality between the developed and the developing world. While the majority of people living in developed countries receive timely treatment, those living in developing countries are not as fortunate and their survival rates are much lower—not only due to delays in diagnosis, but also to a lack of personnel, a paucity of treatment facilities, and the unavailability of many medications. Routine screening—a mainstay in the developed world—could greatly increase the likelihood of identifying individuals with early stage cancers and thus reduce the number of people who present with advanced disease.

This book represents a critical addition to the literature of global health studies. Focusing on cervical, breast, and oral cancers, these case studies highlight innovative strategies in cancer screening in a diverse array of developing countries. The authors discuss common issues and share how obstacles—medical, economic, legal, social, and psychological—were addressed or overcome in specific settings. Each chapter offers an empirical discussion of the nature and scope of a screening program, the methodology used, and its findings, along with a candid discussion of challenges and limitations and suggestions for future efforts

Review
“A welcome addition to an under-researched subject. Important topics, including the need for awareness, vaccination, lifestyle changes, appropriate point of care diagnostics, and infrastructure for treatment, are well covered with illustrative examples. Screening helps in down-staging disease and improving survival of patients diagnosed with malignancy in the low- and middle-income countries―a desperate need.” (Ravi Mehrotra, director, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Indian Council of Medical Research)

About the Author
MADELON L. FINKEL, PHD, is professor of healthcare policy and research and director of the Office of Global Health Education at Weill Cornell Medicine, the medical school of Cornell University. She is an epidemiologist who for many years has been engaged in cervical cancer screening in developing countries