The Use of Health-Related Technology to Reduce the Gap Between Developed and Undeveloped Regions Around the Globe

Authors

Wilfred Ngwa, Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Ian Olver, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Kathleen M. Schmeler, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Document Type

Book

Publication Date

3-1-2020

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 70% of the 9.6 million deaths per year occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where there is critical shortage of human and material resources or infrastructure to deal with cancer. If the current trend continues, the burden of cancer is expected to increase to 22 million new cases annually by 2030, with 81% of new cases and almost 88% of mortality occurring in LMICs. Global health places a priority on improving health and reducing these disparities to achieve equity in health for all people worldwide. In today's hyper-connected world, information and communication technologies (ICTs) will increasingly play an integral role in global health. Here, we focus on how the use of health-related technology, specifically ICTs and artificial intelligence (AI), can help in closing the gap between high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs in cancer care, research, and education. Key examples are highlighted on the use of telemedicine and tumor boards, as well as other online resources that can be leveraged to advance global health.

Recommended Citation

Ngwa W, Olver I, Schmeler KM. The Use of Health-Related Technology to Reduce the Gap Between Developed and Undeveloped Regions Around the Globe. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2020 Mar;40:1-10. doi: 10.1200/EDBK_288613. PMID: 32223667.