Colomb Medica
-
To describe cancer incidence and mortality trends in Manizales, Colombia, between 2008-2017. ⋯ In Manizales, population aging has contributed to an increased burden of cancer. In terms of incidence and mortality, progress in the fight against this disease is still discrete. It is a priority to reinforce cancer control strategies with a differential approach by sex.
-
The population-based Cancer Registry of Cali Colombia operates continuously since 1962, disseminating incidence information in the XI volumes of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. ⋯ This information allows the construction of some indicators to monitor the City Cancer Challenge initiative and the current 10-year plan for cancer control in Colombia, 2011-2021.
-
Cancer represents a challenge for global public health, since it requires a comprehensive strategy for its control. In this context, the Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCR) are key actors for the generation of public policies that guarantee their implementation. ⋯ The information presented by the PBCR of Quito serves as a reference for the prognosis of cancer in the country and as a baseline for its control. Actions are urgently required to strengthen cancer prevention and promotion strategies.
-
We analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncology service demand in a middle-income country with universal health coverage. ⋯ Starting the confinement (April 2020), a general decrease in service demand was observed (R: -14.9% to -90.0%), with an additional but lower decrease in August 2020 coinciding with the first pandemic wave (R: -11.3% to -70.0%). Follow-up visits and ambulatory treatment showed no consistent reductions. New patients' consultations for cross-cutting services had a speedy recovery (1 month), but clinical oncology, specialized units, and in-hospital treatment resumed more slowly. Only breast and stomach cancer showed a sustained reduction in early-stage disease. Women and older patients had a more significant reductionin service demand. Conclusion: Despite no changes in service supply, the confinement induced a significant reduction in service demand. Variations by cancer type, service type, and population demographics deserve careful consideration for a suitable response to the emergency. The speedy recovery and the absence of a significant decrease during subsequent waves of the pandemic suggest patient resiliency and a lower impact than expected in middle-income settings in the presence of universal health insurance.