Abstract

Globally, an estimated 9.6 million people died from different types of cancer in 2017; in other words, every sixth death in the world was due to cancer, second only to cardiovascular diseases. The total number of cancer deaths continues to increase. In fact, by 2030, the global burden of cancer is expected to be 21.7 million new cases and 13 million cancer deaths [1]. On Feb 4 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated the need to step up cancer services in low and middle-income countries. WHO warned that, if current trends continue, the world will see a 60% increase in cancer cases over the next two decades. The greatest increase (an estimated 81%) in new cases will occur in low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates are currently the lowest [2]. Early detection and diagnosis of cancer can lead to timely therapeutic/surgical interventions that can increase the chances of survival.