National cancer control plans in Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges and future directions Review
| Authors: | Villarreal-Garza, C.; Aranda-Gutierrez, A.; Gonzalez-Sanchez, D. G.; Bragança-Xavier, C.; Negrete-Tobar, G.; Chavarri-Guerra, Y.; Mohar, A.; Barrios, C.; Coutinho, A.; Jemal, A.; Hricak, H.; Loehrer, P.; Moraes, F. Y.; Murillo, R. |
| Review Title: | National cancer control plans in Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges and future directions |
| Abstract: | In this Policy Review, we examine cancer incidence and mortality rates across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on national cancer control plans (NCCPs) as frameworks for reducing the cancer burden in the region. By 2022, only 16 countries had active NCCPs, with eight being cancer specific and eight being integrated into public health plans. Our analysis found that dedicated NCCPs were linked to reduced cancer incidence but not reduced mortality. Broader socioeconomic indicators, such as universal health coverage and a higher Human Development Index, were more strongly associated with improved cancer outcomes, including reduced mortality-to-incidence ratios. Prevention measures such as cervical cancer screening and compliance with WHO's MPOWER tobacco control strategies also reduced cancer incidence, underscoring the importance of public health policies. However, challenges including insufficient cancer registries, underfunding, and health-care inequities hinder NCCP implementation. Addressing these gaps requires sustainable registries, regional evaluation frameworks, global collaboration, and stronger political commitment to ensure the success of NCCPs. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd |
| Keywords: | mortality; review; cancer incidence; neoplasm; neoplasms; incidence; cancer screening; health care policy; health policy; uterine cervix cancer; diagnosis; cancer registry; world health organization; cancer control; epidemiology; early detection of cancer; south and central america; prevention and control; caribbean region; latin america; health care disparity; healthcare disparities; tobacco control; mortality rate; control strategy; humans; human; caribbean; early cancer diagnosis; malignant neoplasm; universal health insurance |
| Journal Title: | Lancet Oncology |
| Volume: | 26 |
| Issue: | 6 |
| ISSN: | 1470-2045 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Science, Inc. |
| Date Published: | 2025-06-01 |
| Start Page: | e320 |
| End Page: | e330 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/s1470-2045(25)00039-7 |
| PUBMED: | 40449506 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Review - MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008738) acknowledged in PDF -- Source: Scopus |
