Colomb Medica
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Uruguay has the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in Latin America. The National Cancer Registry of Uruguay, which has been in operation since 1992, provides epidemiological information on incidence and mortality at the country level. ⋯ Although cancer mortality has declined monotonously since 1990, cancer control is a challenge for Uruguay, wherein breast, lung and prostate cancer have very high incidence while the country must still make an effort to reduce other cancers that are very common in economically less favored countries.
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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.
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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.
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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.