What Patients Should Know About Delivering Cancer Care Worldwide

At the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Annual Conference, global oncology leaders gathered for a plenary session entitled “Delivering Cancer Care Worldwide: Current Realities and Future Strategies.” The discussion brought together experts from organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring equitable cancer care worldwide.

For patients, the message presenters emphasized was that where you live can still influence your cancer outcomes. However, collaboration, prevention and smarter use of resources are creating real opportunities to close these gaps.

The global cancer burden continues to grow

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. According to data presented during the session, approximately 20 million new cancer cases occur each year, with projections reaching 35 million annually by 2050. Notably, approximately 70% of cancer-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

The economic burden is also substantial, with global cancer costs projected to reach $25.2 trillion between 2020 and 2050. These numbers reflect not only the scale of the disease but also the urgency of improving access to care.

Despite these challenges, presenters emphasized an important point for patients and policymakers alike: “Even with severe resource constraints, a well-conceived and well-managed national cancer program, spanning the cancer continuum from prevention to treatment to palliation, can reduce avoidable cancer mortality and improve the lives of patients with cancer.”

This reinforces that progress is possible, even in settings with limited resources.

Why access to care still depends on where you live

One of the most striking realities discussed during the session is that access to cancer care is not equal worldwide. In some regions, fewer than 15% of patients may have access to treatment. In others, patients face delays in diagnosis, shortages of trained healthcare professionals, or financial barriers that make care unattainable.

As one panelist explained, “Care exists everywhere, but it's can people access it? Can they get through it? Can they stay with it and understand it?”

This highlights a key issue: having treatments available is not enough. Patients also need support systems, clear communication, and navigation assistance to move through complex healthcare systems.

Efforts to improve patient navigation, such as helping individuals understand their diagnosis, access treatment and manage side effects, are becoming a major focus globally. These programs aim to ensure that patients not only start treatment but also complete it.

Building stronger systems from prevention to palliative care

A central theme of the discussion was the importance of strengthening cancer care across the entire continuum, from prevention and early detection to treatment and palliative care.

One expert emphasized this need clearly: “I want to add this, like the infrastructural improvement for cancer care need to come across the continuum of care. So it's not only that we take care of people are already, you know, like, need the care.”

This means that healthcare systems must invest not only in hospitals and treatment centers but also in early detection programs, diagnostic tools, and supportive care services.

Another key insight focused on workforce development: “Making the service available is one thing, but making the service also completely equipped with the necessary infrastructure is another very important element.”

This includes training healthcare professionals, building multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that facilities are equipped to deliver high-quality care.

Prevention and early detection offer the greatest opportunity

One of the most powerful messages from the session was that many cancers are preventable or treatable when detected early.

As one speaker noted, “About 40% of cancers are preventable and the highest return on investment is thinking about prevention and early detection.”

Vaccination programs, particularly for human papillomavirus (HPV), were highlighted as a major opportunity. HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer death in many countries.

However, challenges remain. Global HPV vaccination rates are still far below targets, with uptake approximately 25% in some regions, compared with the WHO goal of 90%.

At the same time, early detection programs are expanding. In Ethiopia, for example, cervical cancer screening has been scaled to more than 1,500 public facilities, with vaccination coverage reaching approximately 95% among girls aged 13.

Breast cancer detection efforts are also improving. One panelist described the goal of shifting diagnoses to earlier stages, saying, “The reversal of the early detection from late stage to the early detection. So the 60% coverage of action of breast cancer at stage diagnosis of breast cancer at stage one and two is some things that we see is achievable.”

For patients, earlier diagnosis often means more treatment options, fewer side effects, and better outcomes.

Global collaboration is driving meaningful change

Collaboration across countries and organizations is a cornerstone of progress in global cancer care. One example discussed during the session is the adaptation of NCCN Guidelines for different regions.

A collaboration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has brought together experts from multiple countries to tailor evidence-based guidelines to local needs. This ensures that recommendations are practical and relevant for specific healthcare systems.

Education and patient-centered resources are expanding

Improving access to information is another critical step in reducing disparities. Multilingual resources and patient guidelines are being developed to ensure that more people can understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

One speaker highlighted this progress, saying that, “offering multilingual sort of resources and guidance to patients and healthcare physicians who basically speak other languages.”

In the MENA region, patient guidelines have been translated into Arabic, making them more accessible to patients and caregivers.

Educational workshops are also helping healthcare professionals understand how to implement guidelines effectively, ensuring that patients receive consistent, high-quality care.

The path forward: turning progress into equity

Although challenges remain, the session emphasized that meaningful progress is already underway. Investments in infrastructure, prevention, and education are beginning to improve outcomes in many parts of the world.

However, continued effort is needed to ensure that these advances reach all patients.

One expert summarized the opportunity ahead by focusing on practical, achievable steps, saying “there are a lot of foundational progress that allows us to continue to make improvements.”

For patients, this progress means greater hope for earlier diagnosis, better treatment access, and improved quality of life, regardless of where they live.

Editor's note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, as your own experience will be unique. Use this article to guide discussions with your oncologist. Content was generated with AI, reviewed by a human editor, but not independently verified by a medical professional.

References

1. “Opening Remarks and Plenary Session: Delivering Cancer Care Worldwide: Current Realities and Future Strategies,” by Dr. Nadeem R. Abu-Rustum, et al. Presented at: The NCCN 2026 Annual Conference.

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