Background and Content: Non communicable diseases and especially cancer are recognized as an increasing problem for low and middle income countries.
In 2012, it was estimated that 847,000 new cancer cases occurred in Africa (6% of the world total) and 591,000 deaths (7, 2% of the world total), with about three quarters of those happening in Sub-Saharan Africa. The figure is thought to approach 1.4 million annually within the next 2 decades.
In females, cancers of the breast and cervix have the highest incidence, while in males prostate cancer, followed by liver and Kaposi sarcoma appear most frequently.
The response to this challenge would be universal, sustainable and affordable cancer care. However, the progress towards that goal is still slow.
Aim:
To evaluate the progress with respect of national policies and funding towards efficient cancer care systems in Africa.
Strategy/Tactics:
Equitable, affordable and sustainable access to cancer care is analysed in the context of GDP, number of cancers, burden of disease and cost effectiveness
Programme/Policy Process:
As the demand for cancer care will increase in Africa, due to aging population and increase in incidence, the policy makers will need to consider a greater share of GDP allocation for the disease associated with an increase of health care costs.
Cancer research as a route to sustainable and affordable systems needs to include translational research, health services research and health economics.
Outcomes/What was learned:
With the number of annual cancer cases and deaths to increase by at least 70% by 2030 and with an overwhelming pressure on health systems in developing countries, there is a pressing need for a coordinated approach towards improving the delivery of cancer care in Africa.