An impending cancer crisis in developing countries: are we ready for the challenge?

Cancers affect all communities worldwide. There are, however, marked differences in the prevalence and types of cancers among communities. While the total cancer burden remains the highest in affluent societies, less developed economies are closing the gap very rapidly. As developing countries succeed in achieving lifestyles similar to those in advanced economies, they will also encounter much higher cancer rates, particularly cancers of the breast, colon, prostate and uterus. The increased prevalence and incidence of cancers in developing countries reflects a wider transition in the global burden of diseases from infectious to a greater frequency of non-communicable, chronic illnesses.