The region of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) is highly diverse in terms of geography, economic and social development, population size, culture, language and history but also share certain features. They are characterized by small populations, which are geographically isolated. The weak health care system coupled with fragile economy lack resilience and ability to cope with the increasing effects of climate change. They are facing the triple burdens of high rates of infection-related cancer with rapid transition to cancers relating to reproductive, dietary and hormonal factors in combination with ageing populations. Cancer control in these settings is challenging. Cancer surveillance systems are incomplete, patients tend to present late with advanced cancers, many PICTs are unable to provide cancer care to those affected, with patients either not receiving care, or being treated offshore where resources allow. The latter option poses a huge economic burden on the patient and the families. PICTs often lack screening, pathology, oncology, surgical and palliation services. Addressing these issues is critical to achieve any the goals of the World Cancer Declaration in this region.
Visit our Cancer control in the Pacific publications in OUR Archive
Partner projects
We worked in partnership with Lancet Oncology to develop a series on cancer control in Small Island Developing States. We led this work in collaboration with colleagues from around the Pacific and Caribbean regions, and from the Pacific Community (SPC), the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the World Health Organization and others. The series was published in 2019 here: http://www.thelancet.com/series/small-island-nations
Lancet publications
- Spence D, Dyer R, Andall-Brereton G, Barton M, Stanway S, Bray F, Cawich S, Edwards-Bennett S, Fosker C, Gabriel O, Greaves N, Hanchard B, Hospedales J, Luciani S, Martin D, Nimrod M, Ragin C, Simeon D, Tortolero –Luna G, Wharfe G, Sarfati D. Cancer Control in the Caribbean Island Countries and Territories: some progress; the journey continues. Lancet Oncology 2019 (see http://www.thelancet.com/series/small-island-nations).
- Sarfati D, Dyer R, Vivili P, Herman J, Spence D, Sullivan R, Weller D, Bray F, Hill S, Bates C, Foliaki S, Palafox N, Luciani S, Ekeroma A, Hospedales J. Cancer control in Small Island Developing States: From local challenges to global action. Lancet Oncology 2019 (see http://www.thelancet.com/series/small-island-nations).
- Saving Pacific Islands from extinction. Lancet 2019 (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)31722-2/fulltext)
- Gourd K, Collingridge D. Cancer Control in Small Island Nations: too often overlooked. Lancet Oncology 2019 (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(19)30527-3/fulltext)