Welcome
The Latin American branch of the International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) is committed to addressing the unique challenges of cancer care in the region, including inequities in access to biomarkers, treatment, and early detection. With a focus on overcoming socio-economic and systemic barriers, we aim to deliver patient-centered solutions, leveraging regional collaboration and innovation. Below are our key program priorities tailored to the needs of Latin American cancer patients.
In Latin America, access to biomarker testing for precision medicine remains limited due to high costs, insufficient infrastructure, and unequal distribution of resources. While countries like Brazil and Mexico have made progress in incorporating biomarkers into their cancer care pathways, others face significant gaps. We propose policies to subsidize biomarker testing, foster public-private partnerships to reduce costs, and build regional laboratories to expand testing capacity.
The cost of innovative treatments and uneven health insurance coverage are major barriers to care. For example, while targeted therapies are available in urban centers in Argentina and Chile, rural and low-income populations often have limited access. We advocate for regional procurement initiatives to lower drug prices, improved coverage of innovative treatments through universal health systems, and expanded patient support programs to reduce financial burdens.
Our Global Cancer Care Equity Index reveals that Latin America faces significant challenges in cancer care delivery. Argentina highlights the region’s struggles with healthcare inequities and insufficient diagnostic infrastructure, emphasizing the need for increased investment in cancer care resources.
Late-stage cancer diagnosis is a critical issue in Latin America due to inadequate screening programs and low public awareness. Successful models like Uruguay’s national colorectal cancer screening program demonstrate the potential for targeted efforts. We call for scaling up community-based screening initiatives, integrating mobile health units, and promoting culturally tailored awareness campaigns to improve early detection rates.
Latin America faces a critical shortage of trained oncology professionals, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Programs such as telemedicine-based cancer care in Colombia show promise in bridging this gap. We advocate for regional investments in oncology training programs, incentives to retain healthcare professionals in underserved areas, and expansion of telehealth services to reach remote populations.
Digital health tools and AI can transform cancer care in Latin America, particularly for early detection and care coordination. Projects like AI-powered cervical cancer diagnostics in Peru highlight the potential of these technologies. We propose regional initiatives to invest in digital infrastructure, provide training on AI tools for healthcare professionals, and implement ethical guidelines to ensure equitable deployment.
Participation in clinical trials is low across Latin America due to regulatory barriers, insufficient infrastructure, and low patient awareness. Countries like Colombia and Brazil are working to streamline regulatory processes, but regional disparities persist. We call for harmonized trial regulations, expanded trial networks across Latin America, and awareness campaigns to increase patient participation in research.
The social and economic diversity across Latin America demands collaborative approaches to cancer care. Initiatives like the Latin American and Caribbean Cancer Network demonstrate the power of regional cooperation. We advocate for continued collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector to address systemic inequities, share best practices, and implement scalable cancer care solutions.
By prioritizing these areas, we aim to reduce disparities in cancer care, bring innovative solutions to patients, and build a more equitable cancer care system for all Latin Americans.
