Global disparities in gynecologic cancer outcomes: A call for action

Abstract

Gynecologic cancers pose a substantial global health challenge, disproportionately affecting women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although high-income countries (HICs) have witnessed advancements in prevention, early detection, and treatment, LMICs continue to experience elevated incidence and mortality rates, coupled with diminished survival outcomes. In 2022, these cancers accounted for approximately 1.4 million new cases and over 600 000 deaths worldwide, concentrated primarily in LMICs. This disparity stems from a confluence of systemic factors, including limited access to health care, absent or inadequate cervical cancer screening programs, underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers such as poverty and lack of health insurance. Furthermore, shortages of trained specialists, advanced diagnostic tools, and effective treatment modalities hinder care delivery in resource-constrained settings. This paper delves into the root causes of these disparities, exploring the systemic and structural obstacles impeding equitable gynecologic oncology care in LMICs. Evidence-based recommendations will focus on expanding access to preventative measures like HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, enhancing timely diagnosis and treatment, and bolstering healthcare systems to address workforce and infrastructure deficits. Achieving equitable outcomes requires concerted global efforts to bridge resource gaps, prioritize health system reforms, and cultivate partnerships between HICs and LMICs for expertise and resource sharing. Ultimately, addressing these disparities is essential to ensure that all women, irrespective of geographic location or socioeconomic status, can access quality care, thereby mitigating the global burden of gynecologic cancers and improving survival.