Oncology - Kay Shinn Thant San

          It seems as though where someone lives, truly determines whether they deserve to live. This is especially true for cancer: a collection of over a hundred different diseases frequently associated with words such as "incurable" and "hopeless". Nevertheless, the persistence of those in the medical field has resulted in the creation of a medical specialty which diagnoses, treats, and manages this condition called "oncology". 

    Common forms of treatment and management towards cancer include personalised treatment plans: immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and even collaborations with surgeons and radiation specialists. There have even been new advancements in techniques and technologies, with the rise of artificial intelligence's integration into medicine, and the emergence of more advanced drug delivery systems (e.g. nanotechnology). Despite these optimistic outlooks, we must not turn a blind eye to suffering just to gaze upon success. 

Massive population growths and ageing populations in low-income and middle-income countries, paired with harmful lifestyle transitions favouring sedentariness and alcoholism has resulted in increased numbers of infection-driven cancers, such as cervical cancer (from HPV) and liver cancer (from Hepatitis B/C). A polluted environment, where poor regulation of carcinogens situate, also add fuel to the fire. And thus, cancer incidence in low-HDI countries has been predicted to increase by 142% in 24 years. 


Systemic failures and inadequacies are also major contributors to the problem. The lack of screening programmes, health education, and imaging services result in cancer patients only getting diagnosed at late stages. Workforce shortages within the countries entail limited training programmes and an insufficient number of oncologists, radiologists, and other medical professionals to care for patients. Fewer cancer centres and medical hospitals, outdated or non-functional equipment, and the high cost of cancer treatment all result in delayed care and losses of life. 


There is always light at the end of a tunnel. Likewise, there is always a solution to mitigate this worldwide crisis. Systemic changes that can be implemented on a nationwide level incude an increase in funding towards cancer screenings and registries, prioritising prevention (which includes ensuring every citizen is vaccinated for infectious diseases), as well as properly training healthcare workers. Cooperation plays a crucial role as well: working together with non-governmental organisations and neighbouring countries would only benefit countries, namely improving models of medical technologies. Normal individuals can also take part by raising awareness and supporting cancer NGOs. Together, we can lead towards a brighter future where the risk of cancer is lowered everywhere, regardless of region. 

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