Sancti Spíritus reports more than a thousand deaths from cancer and nearly 2,000 new cases each year, as reported by Jorge Álvarez Blanco, head of the Provincial Medical Oncology Group.
In an interview with the official media outlet Escambray, the doctor warned that in recent years around 2,000 neoplasms have been diagnosed annually. The most common types were lung, prostate, colorectal cancer, and, to a lesser extent, laryngeal, head and neck cancers, as well as breast cancer.
“Among the population living with cancer, during the progression of the disease, some are cured, others are managed, and for others, the disease progresses until death. More than 1,000 cases die from this condition each year in the region, but this does not necessarily include those diagnosed within the same period,” he commented.
Among the complexities they face, amidst a health system crisis, the expert stated that most cases are detected at advanced stages, when it is unlikely that the disease can be cured.
"Look at this sadness, what a regrettable reality, we are using the few and costly resources we have for those who, in many cases, can no longer be cured," he said.
His words, filled with concern and resignation, depict the quiet collapse of a critical specialty that, as he himself states, came to absorb up to 90% of the hospital budget in that province.
The situation is being complicated by the shortage of medications. Currently, they do not have all the essential cytostatics.
On the other hand, Cuba has only eight radiotherapy units distributed across the country. Approximately a year ago, patients from Sancti Spíritus have been unable to be referred for treatment in Villa Clara, where the equipment is located, due to "difficulties" in renewing the machine and its license, as it involves the use of nuclear energy for human purposes.
The newspaper Escambray revealed that cancer patients in Sancti Spíritus have to pay up to 70,000 Cuban pesos informally to access radiotherapy, a treatment that should be free of charge.
Immunotherapy has shown somewhat more stability in its availability, thanks to the local development of medications such as the CIMAvax-EGF vaccine for lung cancer, which has allowed for an extension of life in patients with advanced conditions. However, the new molecular targets used worldwide are still beyond Cuba's reach, mainly due to their high cost.
According to data from the Ministry of Public Health, between 30,000 and 36,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Cuba each year, and 60% of these patients require radiation therapy.
Dr. Elías Antonio Gracia Medina, head of the National Medical Oncology Group, has reported that cancer is the leading cause of potential years of life lost in the Cuban population aged 1 to 74, affecting individuals who are in the prime of their economic productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health System Crisis in Sancti Spíritus and Cancer Treatment in Cuba
How many cancer deaths are recorded annually in Sancti Spíritus?
More than 1,000 cancer deaths are recorded each year in Sancti Spíritus. Additionally, around 2,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with the most common types being lung, prostate, colorectal cancer, and to a lesser extent, breast, laryngeal, head, and neck cancers.
Why do cancer patients in Sancti Spíritus face difficulties in receiving treatment?
Cancer patients in Sancti Spíritus face challenges due to a shortage of medications and medical equipment. Furthermore, most cases are detected in advanced stages, which decreases the chances of recovery and consumes a significant portion of the hospital budget. The lack of availability of radiotherapy and the need to pay informally for this treatment also worsen the situation.
Is it true that radiation therapy treatments in Cuba are not free?
In Sancti Spíritus, radiation therapy treatments can cost up to 70,000 Cuban pesos informally. Although they should be free, the reality is that corruption and the collapse of the healthcare system have led many patients to pay exorbitant amounts to receive medical care.
What impact does the lack of early diagnosis have on cancer treatment in Cuba?
The lack of early diagnosis in Cuba results in most cancers being detected at advanced stages. This significantly reduces the chances of a cure and complicates treatment, as there is often a lack of availability of the necessary medications to initiate timely treatments.
Filed under:
