Financing Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Latin America

Cancer incidence across the region is consistent with global trends, with an estimated 40% rise in the number of cases expected by 2030. Meanwhile, challenges in cancer care exist along the continuum, and finance presents a particular problem as the burden continues to grow. 

This Financial Times webinar, in partnership with MSD, brought together policy makers, thought leaders, patient advocates and other key stakeholders from across Latin America for an in-depth discussion around sustainable financing along the cancer continuum - from prevention to diagnostics and screening through to treatment - with a specific focus on vaccines as a tool for prevention and how to finance and provide timely access to innovative treatments.  

Latin America scores poorly against other regions in terms of cancer control. For instance, in terms of 5-year survivorship, Latin America scores from 50%-75% for childhood cancers compared to 90% in North America.

The challenges in Latin America are many – from Laws and regulations being passed but then not implemented or properly resourced, and access to innovative medicines being available to only those who can afford private health insurance. Stigma associated with the disease also results in patients presenting at stage 3 and stage 4. 

Health care systems are hugely fragmented- leading to duplication of effort, a lack of coordination and inefficiencies. Where success and innovation exists in tacking cancer, this tends to happen in countries with unitary political systems. Hence innovations have emerged in Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay. In larger countries with federated structures, the challenges are greater.

Political will and continuity play a key role. Often the prioritisation of cancer plans are too dependent on individuals within governments, and are deprioritised as governments change.

In terms of solutions, big investment in data – for instance in creating disease registries is needed to produce evidence for more effective decision making. Local solutions are needed for local problems. Community partnerships also play an important role.

Strategic public-private -partnerships will also be critical, as well as innovative financing that rewards outcomes based on improvements in access, care and survival.

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