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World J Obstet Gynecol. Feb 10, 2013; 2(1): 1-7
Published online Feb 10, 2013. doi: 10.5317/wjog.v2.i1.1
Burden of gynaecological cancers in developing countries
Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke, George Onyemaechi Ugwu
Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
George Onyemaechi Ugwu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu 4000001, Nigeria
Author contributions: Iyoke CA conducted the literature review and drafted the manuscript; Ugwu GO reviewed and added intellectual content to the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom. caiyoke@yahoo.co.uk
Telephone: +44-117-9043422 Fax: +44-117-9043444
Received: June 22, 2012
Revised: November 7, 2012
Accepted: December 15, 2012
Published online: February 10, 2013
Processing time: 186 Days and 4.5 Hours
Abstract

Approximately 1:4 of all cancers in women in developing countries (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) is a gynaecological cancer. The gynaecological cancer burden in developing countries is huge primarily due to the high incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer accounts for over 60% of the gynaecological cancer burden in developing countries despite being preventable by current technologies. This is due to the absence of effective nationally organized screening programmes in most developing countries. Institution of such programmes, therefore, has the potential to dramatically reduce gynaecological cancer burden in these countries. Subsidized human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and HPV typing as well as cheap screening techniques such as visual inspection aided with acetic acid hold the key to effective prevention of cervical cancer in these countries. This is because a significant proportion of patients in developing countries are unable to access and avail themselves of the few available preventive, diagnostic and treatment services because of poverty. Although, advocacy and the political will to invest in the development of human resources and healthcare infrastructure appear critical to gynaecological cancer control and reducing the burden of disease in many developing countries, the proposition assumes that resources are truly available for this investment. This may not be true. Many developing countries rely on foreign aids for developmental programmes and these aids have dwindled significantly with the current global economic meltdown.

Keywords: Gynaecological cancer; Cancer burden; Cancer mortality; Cancer morbidity; Cancer prevention