Changes in essential cancer medicines and association with cancer outcomes: an observational study of 158 countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer is a major cause of mortality worldwide, and differences in cancer mortality rates between countries are, in part, due to differences in access to cancer care, including medicines. National essential medicines lists (NEMLs) play a role in prioritization of healthcare expenditure and access to medicines. We examined the association between amenable cancer mortality and listing medicines used in the management of eight cancers (non-melanoma skin, uterine, breast, Hodgkin lymphoma, colon, leukemia, cervical, and testicular) in national essential medicines lists of 158 countries and summarized changes to the inclusion of cancer treatments in NEMLs.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional examination of NEMLs for 158 countries, which were obtained in May 2023. We

SUBMITTER: Ul Haq MZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11656608 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature