Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in cancer care: A global analysis of national cancer control plans. Issue 8 (17th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parra‐Herran, Carlos; Romero, Yannick; Milner, Danny
• Is Part Of: International journal of cancer. Volume 148:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1938
• Page End: 1947
• Publication Date: 2020-11-17
• Subjects: cancer -- Global Health -- laboratory medicine -- national cancer control plan -- noncommunicable disease control plan -- pathology; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33384
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7136

Abstract

Abstract: In order to understand the structure and effectiveness of national cancer control systems, the International Cancer Control Partnership, the World Health Organization, the National Cancer Institute and the Union for International Cancer Control underwent a review of available national cancer health plans (NCCPs) and noncommunicable diseases plans (NCDPs) worldwide. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PALM) plays a major role in cancer management, from prevention and screening to patient care (diagnosis and treatment) and population‐level cancer surveillance. This review concentrates on the analysis of elements in national cancer care plans pertaining to PALM. Of 157 countries surveyed, 90 (57%) had a NCCP and 123 (78%) had a NCDP. While 54% of plans included guidelines on cancer diagnosis or plans to develop standards protocols for diagnosis, only 14% included PALM as a component of the plan. PALM‐related variables such as synoptic pathology reporting, cancer staging guidelines and cancer genetics programs were similarly underrepresented (being mentioned in only 6%, 17% and 16% of plans, respectively). Absence of PALM‐related variables tended to be more frequent in lower‐income countries. Our analysis highlights an important gap in national cancer control initiatives worldwide represented by the overall lack of inclusion of PALM resources. Cancer control will only be effective if laboratory sciences are placed as a priority. Based on the data presented herein, there is a need to increase awareness about the importance of PALM in cancer care, and to incorporate this discipline in the design and implementation of multilevel cancer control strategies. Abstract : What's new? Pathology and laboratory medicine (PALM) is vital to nearly all aspects of cancer care, from screening and early detection to treatment and prognosis. The state of laboratory resources and their use in cancer care in many places, however, is unknown. Here, analysis of cancer and non‐communicable disease control plans from 157 countries shows that PALM is included in only 14 percent of national cancer strategies. Components relevant to cancer diagnosis, such as synoptic pathology reporting and staging, were also underrepresented. The findings underscore a need for inclusion of PALM in the design, development, and implementation of cancer care strategies.