
16. Lack of treatment facilities is a problem.
It makes a big difference when countries have suitable facilities, specialists, and equipment to treat and manage the journey into recovery and survival. Patients need to have a cost-effective intervention like surgery, radiotherapy, and easy access to oncologic drugs if we want to improve cancer survival worldwide. Sadly, some countries do not have the resources, which means that people will need to travel to another country to get the treatment. But if they can’t afford the expenses, they will end up dying without the help they need. That is a too common occurrence in many middle and low-income countries. One in four people will not get the surgery or treatment they need due to infrastructure and workforce limitations.

Around 8 million people die annually because of poor quality care, including many due to cancer. 80% of early-stage and late-stage people need surgery. Unfortunately, one in four patients globally will not get the surgery they need due to infrastructure and workforce limitations or lack of affordability. 60% need radiotherapy to cure certain tumors, relieve symptoms, shrink tumors before surgery, or kill remaining cancer cells after surgery to avoid recurrence. In many countries like Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, the radiotherapy coverage is less than optimal. However, places like Africa are implementing some changes to have the required facilities and workforce.