Intro to Global Oncology

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.7 million deaths in 2024— equivalent to 1 in 9 men or 1 in 13 women dying from the disease before the age of 75. According to the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, cancer is a leading cause of premature mortality in 41 countries and accounts for rising rates of premature mortality in 48 countries. Currently, an estimated one in five people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Beyond the clinical diagnosis, approximately 95% of cancer patients and their families face profound physical, psychosocial, and financial burdens. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers are the most prevalent types among men, whereas breast, lung, colorectal, thyroid, and cervical cancers are the most common among women. Although evidence-based approaches exist to prevent, treat, and monitor almost all of these cancers, global cancer incidence continues to climb due to an aging population, with new cases projected to rise drastically by 2050. Therefore, training prospective health professionals in global oncology is imperative to mitigate this escalating global burden. This proposed introductory course on global cancer prevention and control aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the cancer control continuum, which encompasses cancer etiology, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. By adopting a global perspective, the curriculum underscores the significance of contextual factors such as cultural variations, societal frameworks, regional healthcare systems, and health policies in shaping cancer outcomes. Students will investigate how individual, psychological, and environmental determinants intersect with these larger systems to affect risk and outcomes. Throughout the duration of the course, students will critically examine the methodological approaches employed to evaluate each stage of the continuum, utilizing current research evidence and practical case studies from a variety of global contexts.