Cancer treatment challenges persist in Central America and Peru

Healthcare experts are highlighting critical challenges in cancer care across Central America and parts of South America, specifically regarding late diagnoses and limited therapeutic options.

In Central America, an estimated 73,083 new cancer cases were reported across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama according to GLOBOCAN 2024 data. Melisa Barbieri, medical manager for Adium, noted that late diagnosis remains a significant public health hurdle. To address these gaps, Adium has introduced cabozantinib to the region, which is approved for advanced renal carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer in several Central American nations.

In the central macroregion of Peru, specialists from the Daniel Alcides Carrión National Hospital report that between 80% and 85% of cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. This delay significantly complicates treatment and increases the economic burden on families. Beyond medical costs, which can exceed S/3,000 daily, families face expenses for transportation, lodging, and lost income due to caregiving responsibilities.