Cancer Care in Resource-Limited Settings: A Call for Action

Cancer is fast growing out of the reach of trained oncologists and other experts. It was once thought to be a problem almost exclusive to the developed world but cancer is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing (resource-limited) countries thus making it a health priority. The need to deliver cancer care in resourcelimited settings is gaining urgency, with need for particular emphasis on the creation of cost-effective, rational algorithms utilizing affordable chemotherapeutics to treat curable disease. The delivery of comprehensive cancer care in resource-poor settings demands a concerted effort by a team of multidisciplinary care providers, even if they are not trained oncologists. This article seeks to highlight the challenges in managing cancers in the developing world using Nigerian Christian Hospital experience as an example. We suggest ways of improving the care of cancer patients in such settings.