Main challenges to cancer care in Latin America: an analysis through breast cancer lenses
Gonzalo Gomez-Abuin, Pablo Mandó, Giuseppe Curigliano, Carlos H. Barrios
Abstract
The manuscript underscores the intricate challenges in breast cancer (BC) care across Latin America, characterized by economic, social, and healthcare system disparities. Limited high-quality cancer registries hinder research and policy development, exacerbating uneven access to medical care and BC mortality disparities. The healthcare systems' fragmentation results in delays in critical interventions, affecting a significant proportion of young women diagnosed at advanced stages. The scarcity of comprehensive healthcare data and the absence of coordinated efforts intensify these challenges. The manuscript advocates for collaborative initiatives, supporting local research groups and fostering communication among countries to address BC care disparities. It emphasizes the vital role of national care plans and universal healthcare systems, aligning with global objectives to reduce BC mortality and enhance healthcare access for all women in Latin America, irrespective of socioeconomic status.