Why does a General Cancer Law matter?

Giant strides are being made in the world in the battle against cancer. Europe this year decided to dedicate an additional 4,000 million euros to what its member countries are already investing against cancer, since they are determined to reverse the trend of the disease, and that is because advances in science have led to cancer being a preventable disease today. , treatable and in many cases curable.

But this requires a comprehensive plan for cancer care and multisectoral collaboration. Sadly, in Mexico the situation does not look good. Apart from the shortage of treatments that has not been fixed, the poor investment by the public sector has led to an increase in out-of-pocket costs for families affected by cancer.

In this framework, it is valuable work that is being promoted by a group of civil society organizations that, together with senators of the current Legislature, are working towards a General Cancer Law in Mexico. It is something important because if the actions, programs and strategies are backed by law, there will be more guarantee that they will continue, regardless of the government in power.

At least this is what the patient associations and citizen groups that have been working on this effort expect to present the initiative at the beginning of 2023 and that it be approved before the end of the Legislature in 2024. Among them are: AMANC, Cancer Warriors, FUCAM Breast Cancer, House of Friendship for Children with Cancer IAP, Salvati MILC, Cima, Mexican Association for the Fight Against Cancer, FUTEJE, Alba Foundation, COI Foundation, Mexican Oncological Society (SMEO), Barra Mexicana Foundation and United for Transplantation of bone marrow.

It is a pity that the authorities of the current government do not show interest, not to mention joining this working group, but at least being present at the events where they present the advances.

PRI senator Sylvana Beltrones and PAN senator Alejandra Reynoso were present at the start of the second phase of the Civil Society Work Commission to Promote the General Cancer Law in Mexico, but neither Morena legislators nor federal authorities agreed to be there. of Health starting with Undersecretary Hugo López-Gatell. It is a public health action; It is not a matter of parties or ideologies, but unfortunately in this six-year term, any action promoted by society is stigmatized and is seen as coming from some obscure interest.

The effort of these associations comes after seeing that a structural base is needed to support all actions and programs against cancer to guarantee continuity. Mexico itself lacks a national plan for cancer care, and the efforts that have been promoted, such as the National Cancer Registry, have been reduced or canceled. Now there is an attempt to resume said registry as part of the National Plan for Cancer Care, which would be included in the Law, as well as financial and administrative mechanisms, the National Oncology Network and the National Cancer Commission, which would be the watchdog in the implementation of the registry.

In the last 30 years, the number of deaths from cancer in Mexico has increased 2.3 times. In 2021, 90,525 Mexicans died from cancer, according to the latest INEGI report; this represents 8% of all deaths registered in the country. The growing trend derives above all from late detection. Today more than 70% of cancer patients are diagnosed in advanced stages, which reduces their chances of being cured and raises the costs of treatment.

There are various actions, instruments and projects carried out by civil society and activists that should be applauded in this fight, and one of them is the General Cancer Law project.

maribel.coronel@eleconomista.mx