On World Cancer Day, Cuban experts emphasized the nation's commitment to a comprehensive cancer control program, despite severe restrictions from the U.S. economic blockade. This barrier hinders access to vaccines, drugs, and essential technologies. Still, Cuba upholds its focus on prevention and health promotion.
Cuba reaffirms its dedication to public health through the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, structured across three levels of the health system: primary care, secondary care, and specialized institutes. Dr. Luis Martínez Rodríguez, director of the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, stated that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the country and the primary cause of potential years of life lost. More than 50,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, many preventable through lifestyle changes.
Dr. Carlos Alberto Martínez Blanco, head of the Cancer Control Section at the Ministry of Public Health, explained that progress in disease control has been affected in recent years by blockade limitations. Specific hurdles include acquiring preventive vaccines, maintaining essential technologies, obtaining spare parts, cancer-specific drugs, and advanced surgical technologies.
Despite these challenges, the country maintains a strategy focused on prevention, health promotion, and developing a national network organizing clinical oncology, radiotherapy, and pediatric oncology services. This approach ensures the right to health for its people, showcasing the resilience of Cuba's system against external pressures.
