Cancer Control in Developing Countries: Need for Epidemiological Surveillance based on Health Information Systems and Health Services Research

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present an argument for the need for population level interventions to smoking cessation and tobacco control in the developing countries. Health information systems (HIS) have made a significant role over the years in both the developed and developing countries. In order to provide a comprehensive health risk assessment profile for populations in the developing countries, however, there is an urgent need to develop epidemiological surveillance data to be integrated within HIS. This is principally important for health surveillance data on structure, process, risk factors, and outcome of cancer, given the economic, clinical and public health burden of cancer particularly in low- and middle-income developing countries. A comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and control in the developing countries should involve systematic and timely epidemiological surveillance. Such surveillance systems should be established keeping in mind the unique socio-economic, environmental, and cultural influences on cancer incidence in the developing countries.