Gynaecologic cancers contribute significantly to the cancer burden in developing countries, resulting in higher mortality and morbidity rates among women in these nations. This situation is further compounded by the occurrence of wars, famine, poverty and natural disasters, and infectious diseases like hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. In addition, merge resources and manpower lack in these countries further compound this very delicate situation. Often times, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethical factors such as truth-telling, choice of place of care, place of death, treatment choices, medication use, and terminal sedation can interfere in patient management. Availability and use of oral morphine for pain relief, spiritual care and availability of palliative care services, the individuals’ autonomy, and family and community participation in care, end of life issues, and preservation of fertility are also big issues that determine the course of care. This review discusses these pertinent factors, discusses how they affect cancer care in women, and proffers ideas for healthcare workers and policy makers on implementation of sustainable models for cancer care in developing countries. Addressing socioeconomic, cultural, and ethical issues affecting gynaecologic cancer care will aid in ensuring development of viable models of cancer care in resource-limited countries. 1. Introduction Chronic medical diseases and cancers are becoming emerging diseases of public health importance in developing countries. The burden of gynaecologic cancers is on the increase worldwide but is disproportionately higher in developing than developed countries, with the former accounting for about five million new cancer diagnoses annually [1]. This situation, worsened by wars, poverty, and natural disasters, is mainly due to socioeconomic and cultural factors that lead to late diagnosis, high drop-out rates from treatment, high mortality, and poor followup of cancer survivors [2–4]. While the majority of these countries have efforts to combat the scourge of gynaecologic disease hampered by lack of resources (drugs and finances) and medical manpower, they are known to have rich and diverse cultures where religions, traditions, and family values greatly influence medical decisions. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. In Sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 70% of women afflicted with the condition live in rural areas, in poverty, and lack access to basic amenities like water and health care infrastructure [5]. In addition, large majorities are at the prime of
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