An Impending Cancer Crisis in Developing Countries: Are We Ready for the Challenge?

Cancers affect all communities worldwide. There are, however, marked differences in the prevalence andtypes of cancers among communities. While the total cancer burden remains the highest in affluent societies,less developed economies are closing the gap very rapidly. As developing countries succeed in achieving lifestylessimilar to those in advanced economies, they will also encounter much higher cancer rates, particularly cancersof the breast, colon, prostate and uterus. The increased prevalence and incidence of cancers in developingcountries reflects a wider transition in the global burden of diseases from infectious to a greater frequency ofnon-communicable, chronic illnesses.