Gynecologic cancer services in the majority world

Rahel Ghebre, Thomas C. Randall

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Gynecologic cancers cause significant death and disability. Worldwide, cancers of the cervix, uterine corpus and ovary make up about 16% of the cancers in women. Cancer of the cervix, which can be effectively prevented and treated through vaccination, screening and treatment of early disease, has become an uncommon cause of death in high resource settings. In resource limited settings, where health systems are ill-equipped to consistently provide these services, cervical cancer continues to be one of the most common causes of death among women. Concrete steps can be taken to address this disparity and could significantly improve and stabilize the lives of women and their families in these settings. Management of gynecologic cancers is complex and multimodal, requiring teamwork among a wide range of specialists and professions. This poses significant challenges to health systems in resource-limited settings, that may lack the human capacity and information systems to facilitate such an approach. In addition, gynecologic cancer care requires use of technically complex procedures, such as radical cancer surgery, radical radiotherapy, and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Meeting these demands will require significant, long term commitments to improving health system infrastructure and increasing human capacity. The global medical community is taking a variety of approaches to this issue; more study is needed to determine which of these approaches are effective.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWomen's Health in the Majority World
Subtitle of host publicationIssues and Initiatives: Second Edition
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages255-267
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781634824781
ISBN (Print)9781634824545
StatePublished - Apr 1 2015

Keywords

  • Gynecologic cancer
  • Radiation
  • Surgery

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