Peru Advances Cancer Care Plan with IAEA Support Amid Growing Incidence Rates

The review team, which conducted a comprehensive evaluation in April, highlighted Peru's progress in enhancing cancer control.

Peru is making significant strides toward universal cancer care with the decentralization of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy services and the nearing completion of its second National Cancer Control Plan, according to a recent review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The review team, which conducted a comprehensive evaluation in April, highlighted Peru's progress in enhancing cancer control. However, they also noted the need for further reinforcement in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy, citing limited resources as a challenge. In response, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Peru in June, reaffirming the IAEA's commitment to supporting Peru's cancer control efforts through its Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to expand access to cancer care.

"Through Rays of Hope, the IAEA will assist Peru by providing additional equipment to bolster radiotherapy services," Grossi announced during his visit. The support is crucial given Peru's high cancer incidence, with the IARC's Global Cancer Observatory estimating it as the fourth highest in the region. In 2022, there were over 70,000 new cancer cases, primarily affecting the prostate, stomach, and colorectum, with numbers expected to rise by over 30% by 2035.

The imPACT Review aimed to assess progress since the first review in 2014 and identify ongoing gaps in cancer services. "We will use the evidence from this review to develop a new integrated plan for cancer prevention and control and to strategize funding and partnerships," said Eric Ricardo Peña Sánchez, Peru's Vice Minister of Public Health.

Peru's efforts include decentralizing cancer management services to three major regions outside the capital, improving access for patients in these areas. "The investments required are substantial, but we will work with donors and partners to prioritize and organize funds effectively," said Essy Milagros Maradiegue Chirinos, Executive Director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Directorate.

The imPACT Review team, consisting of 38 national experts and 13 international specialists, commended Peru for expanding its regulatory and planning frameworks for cancer care, including the introduction of free HPV vaccination for girls up to 18 years old. The review also praised advancements in information management, with the establishment of three population-based cancer registries and improved budget allocations for surveillance and research.

Key recommendations from the review include standardizing academic curricula and treatment protocols to ensure high-quality care. A workshop with over 80 stakeholders helped validate the review's findings and will contribute to the development of Peru's third National Cancer Control Plan.

Support from organizations like MD Anderson Cancer Center and City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) has been instrumental in advancing cancer care, providing expertise and assisting with resource mobilization. As Peru continues to strengthen its cancer control efforts, the collaborative support from international partners will be crucial in addressing the country's growing cancer burden.