Human cancer subtypes are traditionally classified according to certain clinical and pathological parameters that include the anatomical site of origin, microscopic histomorphology, tumor size, tumor grade, and regional lymph node involvement. This is a well-established classification scheme that relies on molecular and genetic information that helps classify different cancer subtypes and predict their behavior. In clinical practice, tests for tumor-specific characteristics can provide prognostic information and immediate treatment options.
Continue reading “Molecular Testing and Personalized Medicine”Primary, Secondary Prevention and Cancer Detection: Situation, Opportunities and Challenges
With the increasing incidence of cancer in Latin America, the morbidity, mortality, and associated costs are mainly attributed to cancer in the advanced stage. Primary prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and timely and optimal treatment are leading public health priorities. In this section, we focus on current cancer prevention and detection strategies, particularly for cancers accessible to research and early detection; We also describe the challenges that arise in creating optimal cancer prevention and detection programs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Continue reading “Primary, Secondary Prevention and Cancer Detection: Situation, Opportunities and Challenges”The Role Of The Academic And Commercial Sector in Lati American
In high-income countries, such as the United States, a shortage of oncology services is anticipated by 2020, primarily due to increased cancer incidence and improved survival. (1)Cooper RA. The medical oncology workforce; an economic and demographic assessment of the demand for medical oncologists and hematologist-oncologists to serve the adult population to the year 2020. http://www.asco.org/ASCO/Downloads/Cancer%20Research/Medical%20Oncology%20Workforce-Cooper%20Study. Pdf (accessed Feb 13, 2013). (2)Erikson C, Salsberg E, Forte G, Bruinooge S, Goldstein M. Future supply and demand for oncologists: challenges to assuring access to oncology services. J Oncol Pract 2007; 3: 79–86.
Continue reading “The Role Of The Academic And Commercial Sector in Lati American”Cost of Cancer Treatment in Latin America and Future Challenges
The global economic cost of new cancer cases in 2009, including medical and non-medical costs, lost productivity, and the cost of cancer research, is estimated to have amounted to at least $ 286 billion. (1)Economist Intelligence Unit. Breakaway: the global burden of cancer— challenges and opportunities, 2009. http://www.livestrong.Org/pdfs/GlobalEconomicImpact (accessed Aug 14, 2012).
Continue reading “Cost of Cancer Treatment in Latin America and Future Challenges”Cancer Treatment in the Urban and Rural Sector in Latin America
The WHO defines urban, rural and remote areas by the characteristics of the settlements, such as population density and accessibility to urban areas. (1)WHO. Increasing access to health workers in remote and rural areas through improved retention. Http://www.who.int/hrh/retention/guidelines/en/index.html (accessed Sept 22, 2012).
Continue reading “Cancer Treatment in the Urban and Rural Sector in Latin America”Current Health Systems in Latin America
All health systems in Latin America face the challenge of epidemiological transition and population aging, with the consequent increase in the burden of non-communicable diseases and chronic diseases. (1)Knaul FM, Frenk J, Shulman L, et al, for the Global Task Force on Expanded Access to Cancer Care and Control in Developing Countries. Closing the cancer divides: a blueprint to expand access in low and middle income countries. Harvard Global Equity Initiative, Boston, MA, October 2011. http://ghsm.hms.harvard.Edu/uploads/pdf/ccd_report_111027.pdf (accessed Feb 13, 2013).
Continue reading “Current Health Systems in Latin America”Opioid Consumption in Latin America and the Caribbean
Purposes for cancer treatment in Latin America
There are many challenges for the treatment of cancer pain in Latin America; effective application of opioid use is an example. (1)Joranson DE. Improving availability of opioid pain medications: testing the principle of balance in Latin America. J Palliat Med 2004; 7: 105–14. Morphine and other opioids are necessary to control severe pain, and WHO it has included them in the list of essential medicines. (2)WHO. Health topics. Essential medicines. http://www.who.int/selection_medicines/list/en/ (accessed Jul 1, 2012). Apart from the indications Defined medical drugs, these drugs have potential for abuse and have been classified as controlled substances by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. (3)International Narcotics Control Board. Single convention on narcotic drugs. http://www.incb.org/incb/en/narcotic-drugs/1961_Convention.html (accessed Feb 13, 2013).
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