Leveraging digital technologies to reduce cancer disparities in low-income and middle-income countries

Abstract

In a rural clinic in southwestern Uganda, Dr Sarah examines cervical images on her smartphone, receiving real-time artificial intelligence-powered guidance from a gynaecologic oncologist located hundreds of miles away. Once imaginary, this scenario now represents a highly probable future of digital health innovation transforming cancer care globally. With over 35 million new cases of cancer estimated by 2050, and up to 70% of deaths anticipated to disproportionately occur in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), digital solutions can be leveraged to accelerate the closure of these cancer care gaps. The global oncology community has responded to this imminent crisis by proposing several interventions, including promoting workforce education, mentorship, and task shifting; supporting early diagnosis and referrals through integrated diagnostics; prioritising and implementing prevention strategies such as tobacco cessation, cervical cancer screening, and vaccination; standardising and personalising treatment through increased participation in clinical trials and provision of essential cancer medications; and strengthening health-care systems. Across all these strategic pillars, digital health tools are crucial for advancing cancer care and narrowing existing global and geographical disparities in LMICs. In this Series paper, we evaluate the current status of these digital innovations in the context of cancer care.