African countries will account for over a million new cancer cases a year and they are the least able of all developing countries to cope, having few cancer care services. Lack of resources and basic infrastructure mean that most Africans have no access to cancer screening, early diagnosis, treatment or palliative care. Life-saving radiotherapy is available in only 21 of Africa's 53 countries, or to less than 20% of the population, and consequently cancer is a sentence to a painful and distressing death. At the same time, over one third of cancer deaths are due to preventable causes such as viral infection, poor nutrition and widespread tobacco use. Cancer in the developing world knows no age limits. It is estimated that 100,000 children die unnecessarily from cancer in the developing world each year. In Africa, on average 5% of childhood cancers are cured, compared to nearly an 80% cure rate in the developed world. In terms of cancer care, the disparities between the standard of care in developed and developing world countries couldn't be greater. In addition, in many African countries the combined effects of cancer, poverty, deprivation and infectious diseases hinder the development of a sustainable population and consequently a sustainable future.
The only way to effectively prevent, detect and treat the rising number of cancers in the developing world is to develop broad and effective partnerships of research institutions, international organizations, NGOs, national governments in developed and developing countries and the pharmaceutical industry. Strong local and international leadership is essential.
The relevant organisations and individuals, with funds from government and private donors, must be brought together to develop achievable and sustainable national cancer plans that are evidence based, priority driven and resource appropriate for African countries, and we are committed to doing this.