Dr Ian Magrath discusses the session on cancer in developing countries.  In countries at different degrees of human development it is clear that while the less developed countries have a lower incidence of cancer (number of new cases per 100,000 people each year), the mortality from cancer is similar across the globe – because a much higher proportion of patients in developing (poorer countries) who develop cancer die for lack of cancer specialists, diagnostic and treatment facilities, as well as an inability to pay for care. 

Speakers in this session also discussed what can be done to improve the situation even in countries with very limited resources, as the burden of cancer in the world continues to increase from approximately 12.6 million in 2008 to a projected 22 million in 2030.  Already, 70% of deaths from cancer in 2008 were in developing countries.

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