The global cancer burden is expected to rise substantially in the next 50 years, with 400% increase to be seen in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to population expansion, improved life expectancy, urbanization, and lifestyle changes with to an increase in risk factors such as obesity and tobacco exposure. Inequalities in social determinants of health in LMICs also contribute to persistent disparities, such as higher cancer deaths in these populations. Cancer research has not been recognized as a high priority area in many countries despite these facts.
Research into prevention, early detection, and treatment of prevalent cancers can improve outcomes. In addition to reducing cancer-specific mortality, cancer research also brings other benefits such as improved quality of clinical care, professional development of cancer professionals and their retention, ultimately leading to an effective learning cancer system. Hence, it is imperative that countries must conduct their own research relevant to local needs, which generates feasible, effective and implementable solutions locally and could also impact cancer control globally. This can be achieved through the setup of a multi-stakeholder Global Cancer Research Community of Practice formed by researchers, academics, health practitioners, representatives from the community/civil society, health ministries and policymakers focused on embedding lasting research capabilities.
The core objectives of this community of practice are three-fold:
- Knowledge mobilization and sharing of training programmes and excellence
- Networking, mentorship and twinning to increase the critical research mass around cancer research especially in LMICs
- Stakeholder engagement and translation of research into policy and practice through dissemination of research findings (both to the public & scientific community) and providing support for research translation into policy and practice.