Cancer burden and status of cancer control measures in fragile states: a comparative analysis of 31 countries

In a new study, researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide a comprehensive overview of the cancer burden and cancer control measures in place in 31 fragile states. The study was published in the journal The Lancet Global Health.

The researchers found that the estimated cancer burden in the 31 selected fragile states was lower than worldwide rates, except for rates of cervical cancer and prostate cancer. The proportion of cancer cases attributable to infections was higher in fragile states than globally. Only half of the countries had an updated cancer control plan or cancer management guidelines, and only 39% had a cervical cancer early detection programme and guidelines.

Fragile states were selected based on the annual percentage change of their Fragile States Index (FSI) and categorized into three groups: group 1, with an increasing fragility trend; group 2, with a relatively stable fragility trend; and group 3, with a decreasing fragility trend.

In many countries in the study, a high percentage of the population was exposed to household air pollution. The current prevalence of tobacco use in men increased from group 1 to group 3. Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates were higher in states in group 3 (i.e. with a decreasing fragility trend). However, 25 of the countries had implemented only one or none of the MPOWER measures established by WHO for tobacco control.

Data related to the cancer burden or trends in fragile states are scarce, even though many of these countries are undergoing social and economic transitions that increase the risk of disease in the population. This new analysis shows that fragile states are still not implementing enough cancer control measures. There is a need to develop reliable cancer control plans and guidelines in these states, and to create financial mechanisms for their implementation.

Mosquera I, Ilbawi A, Muwonge R, Basu P, Carvalho AL.
Cancer burden and status of cancer control measures in fragile states: a comparative analysis of 31 countries
Lancet Glob Health, Published online 13 September 2022;
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00331-X

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