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National cancer control programs and setting priorities
Abstract:
Although considerable resources are being allocated globally to cancer research, efforts to implement these findings efficiently are lagging behind. Enough is known about the cause of common tumors such as lung, oral, and liver cancer to allow active measures to be taken for their prevention. Effective early detection programs have been developed for cervical, breast, and oral cancer, and treatment methods exist whereby at least one-third of all cancer patients can be cured if their disease is detected early. Unfortunately, however, most cancer activities currently in place were developed haphazardly and lack overall coordination. National cancer control efforts can be more effectively planned and implemented if they follow a systematic stepwise approach of assessing the current situation, setting health objectives, evaluating the possible strategies, and setting priorities using quantitative assessments. Cancer affects both developed and developing countries of the world, and well planned national efforts emphasizing prevention and early detection can significantly reduce the cancer problem.
Insights
Implementing cancer research findings is slow. Focusing on prevention and early detection, especially for lung, oral, and liver cancers, can significantly reduce the global cancer burden.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Cancer Control
Background:
- Significant global resources are invested in cancer research, yet efficient implementation of findings is lacking.
- Current cancer control activities are often uncoordinated and developed haphazardly.
- Knowledge exists for preventing common cancers like lung, oral, and liver cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the gap between cancer research investment and implementation.
- To advocate for systematic approaches in national cancer control planning.
- To emphasize the potential of prevention and early detection strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current global cancer research allocation and implementation efforts.
- Analysis of existing knowledge on cancer causes, prevention, and early detection.
- Proposal of a systematic, stepwise approach for national cancer control.
Main Results:
- Effective prevention strategies exist for common cancers.
- Early detection programs are available for cervical, breast, and oral cancers.
- At least one-third of cancer patients are curable with early detection and treatment.
Conclusions:
- National cancer control efforts require systematic planning: assessment, objective setting, strategy evaluation, and prioritization.
- Well-planned national strategies focusing on prevention and early detection can substantially reduce the global cancer burden.
- Cancer prevention and early detection are crucial for both developed and developing countries.