[Cancer control in Peru: a comprehensive approach to a public health issue]

Abstract

Cancer as a public health issue is changing and complex. It calls for a comprehensive, coherent and horizontal strategy based on previous experiences and considering the alarming increase of this condition worldwide. Therefore, it is imperative to reach and respect consensuses, to promote new technologies and study culturally sensitive strategies that adapt to the communities and involve people to actively participate. Likewise, strengthening the educational component and introducing new information and communication technologies cannot wait, while strengthening the system, from the primary health care level at the same time. Our goal should be to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality rates in the medium and long terms. This article describes some of the measures implemented for that purpose. We consider that all cancer preventive strategies should be applied in the context of transversal activities oriented to prevent other chronic diseases, with a public health view.