Disparities in access to cancer diagnostics in ASEAN member countries

Cancer disparities in Southeast Asia: intersectionality and a call to action

“…These inequities have been aggravated since the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed millions further into poverty, possibly exacerbating health disparities, especially among populations who suffer vulnerabilities. 2 Particularly salient are the challenges associated with providing adequate care for people with cancer, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the region. 1 , 2 Cancer incidence and mortality in the region are projected to rise in the coming decades, given population growth and rapidly changing socioeconomic and geopolitical factors, as well as a host of interrelated and dynamic environmental, behavioral, and occupational risk factors.…”

“… 2 Particularly salient are the challenges associated with providing adequate care for people with cancer, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the region. 1 , 2 Cancer incidence and mortality in the region are projected to rise in the coming decades, given population growth and rapidly changing socioeconomic and geopolitical factors, as well as a host of interrelated and dynamic environmental, behavioral, and occupational risk factors. 1 , 2 , 3 …”

“… 1 , 2 Cancer incidence and mortality in the region are projected to rise in the coming decades, given population growth and rapidly changing socioeconomic and geopolitical factors, as well as a host of interrelated and dynamic environmental, behavioral, and occupational risk factors. 1 , 2 , 3 …”

“… 3 Epidemiologic patterns can be attributed to variations in complex risk factors, access to screening and cancer care, and likely genetic predisposition. 1 , 2 , 3 However, these differences also underscore that within each country exist richly diverse populations that experience disparities in cancer risk, screening, care access, outcomes, and survivorship in ways that require further examination. We draw attention to disparities in cancer in Southeast Asian countries.…”

To Chemo or Not to Chemo… That Is the Question

“…Unlike first-world countries, cancer care in developing countries is unique because more often than not, access to the most basic diagnostic tests and treatment facilities is limited. 1 , 2 Long and relatively expensive travels, the struggle of ensuring that the family has food to eat because of the missed opportunity to receive their daily wage, and the concentration of subspecialists in the major cities are some of the several barriers that need to be hurdled before being able to receive proper treatment from an oncologist in the Philippines. Thus, almost all types of cancers tend to be more extensive with an advanced stage at initial consult, subsequently compounding the burden of treatment.…”