Global Psycho-Oncology in Low-Middle Income Countries:Challenges and Opportunities.

OBJECTIVES
This Special Issue of Psycho-Oncology is focused on challenges and opportunities in the provision of psychosocial care to patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC's). The aim is to highlight global disparities and inequity in the provision of evidence-based, culturally-sensitive and timely psychosocial care and to showcase the work of researchers and practitioners to address this gap. We hope that this Issue will help to advance the psychological and social dimensions of cancer care in all parts of the world.


METHODS
The focus of the papers is on research and clinical innovations in LMIC's that target the psychological, social and cultural dimensions of cancer and on interventions to improve or maintain the psychological well-being, social functioning and/or quality of life of those who are affected and of their families.


RESULTS
These papers draw attention to guidelines, resource needs, clinical service evaluation, emerging research, and knowledge translation within LMIC's that advance knowledge and implementation in the field of psycho-oncology.


CONCLUSIONS
Innovations and advances in psycho-oncology are emerging from LMIC's to enhance the care of patients with cancer and their families in these regions and in all parts of the world. A sustained global initiative is now needed to ensure that guidelines for such care are routinely included in global, national and local cancer control plans and that essential resources and attention are directed to implement them. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.