Nearly 8 million people die from cancer every year. Over 70% of these deaths (i.e. 5.5 million deaths) occur in the low and middle income countries. World Health Organization data shows that cancer is not killing more peole in a year than malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined and predicts that global cancer mortality will rise from 8 million to 12 million over the next 12 years, with an even higher proportion coming from developing countries.

Childhood with cancer

The survival of children with cancer in developing countries is far lower than in the higher income countries – often less than 50% compared to 70% in EU countries. Tragically, common childhood cancers like African Burkitt Lymphoma can be cured cheaply and efficiently if they are detected early enough -- treating this eight year old Tanzanian girl cost a mere £120.

Palliative Care

Nearly all cancer patients experience pain but this can be reduced through prompt treatment and palliative care. Sadly, 80% of cancer patients in developing countries have cancers that are too far advanced for effective treatment. However access to pain relieving drugs and hospice services is often minimal or non-existent. As a consequence, these cancer patients and their families have to endure terrible suffering before death. £25 donation to INCTR Challenge fund will enable INCTR to support one of the poorest patient in Nepal through their terminal illness.

For the present, INCTR Challenge Fund is focusing on the two most vulnerable groups of patients: children with cancer and terminal ill cancer patients.