Cancer has emerged as a leading cause of death and disability in Cambodia. According to the World Health Organization, cancer accounted for 21% of total deaths in the country in 2020. While Cambodia has made progress in reducing communicable diseases, the burden of non-communicable diseases like cancer has been steadily rising.
Recent estimates suggest that nearly 20,000 Cambodians are diagnosed with cancer every year. Over 10,000 cancer deaths occur annually. The total number of cancer cases in Cambodia is projected to increase dramatically in the coming decade.
Lung, liver, cervical, breast and colorectal cancers are the most common types in the country. Liver cancer is the biggest cancer killer, causing over 20% of cancer deaths. While many of the cancer statistics still remain estimates, it is clear that Cambodia faces a growing cancer crisis. Tackling it requires strengthening access to cancer care, from prevention to treatment. Local manufacturing of quality anticancer medicines can play a vital role.
Overview of Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by mutations in cells that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue. If not treated, cancer can spread from its original site to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.
There are over 100 types of cancer that can affect nearly any part of the body.
The most common cancers globally are:
– Lung cancer
– Breast cancer
– Prostate cancer
– Colon cancer
– Stomach cancer
Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer was the leading cause of death in 2020, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths globally. The most common causes of cancer death are lung, colon, liver, stomach, and breast cancer.
Over 19 million new cancer cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. With population growth and aging, this number is projected to rise to over 29 million new cases per year by 2040. However, improvements in cancer screening and treatment have also led to increased survival rates for many cancer types.
Cancer in Cambodia
Cancer poses a growing public health concern in Cambodia. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the country, with over 20,000 new cancer cases diagnosed each year.
The most prevalent cancers in Cambodia are liver, lung, breast, cervix, nasopharynx and stomach cancers. Liver cancer is the most common, accounting for more than 20% of cancer cases. This high incidence is linked to the high rates of hepatitis B infection in the country.
Lung cancer follows closely behind, likely fueled by high rates of smoking and air pollution in urban areas. Among women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, followed by cervical cancer.
Mortality rates for cancer in Cambodia are quite high, as most patients are diagnosed in late stages when treatment is less effective. The overall 5-year survival rate for all cancers is only around 30%. Limited public awareness, lack of screening programs, and financial barriers to care contribute to late diagnosis.
Cervical cancer is a prime example, with 80% of cases detected in advanced stages. Consequently, cervical cancer claims the lives of around 3000 Cambodian women per year. Clearly, there is an urgent need to promote cancer awareness, expand screening and early detection, and improve treatment access in order to reduce Cambodia’s cancer burden.
Challenges of Cancer Treatment in Cambodia
Cambodia faces several challenges in providing effective cancer treatment and care to its population. Some of the main obstacles include:
Lack of Screening and Early Detection
There is very limited screening available for common cancers like breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer in Cambodia. As a result, many cancers are caught at later stages when they are difficult to treat. Greater awareness and access to screening could help detect cancers earlier and improve outcomes.
Limited Healthcare Infrastructure and Access to Treatment
Much of the rural population lacks access to cancer treatment facilities, which are concentrated in major cities. Smaller provincial hospitals have inadequate equipment, staff, and resources to provide chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other cancer care. Patients often have to travel long distances to receive treatment.
High Costs of Imported Drugs
Most cancer drugs in Cambodia are imported at high costs from other countries. For a country where many live in poverty, these expensive imported drugs are out of reach for many patients. Locally produced generic medicines could help make treatment more affordable.
Overcoming these barriers will require increased healthcare funding and investment in screening, facilities, training, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing. With the right resources and policies, Cambodia can work to make cancer care more accessible and save lives.
Importance of Local Anticancer Drug Manufacturing
Having local manufacturing of anticancer drugs can provide significant benefits for the population of Cambodia. Relying on imported medicines often leads to prohibitively high costs that prevent many patients from accessing life-saving treatments. Producing essential anticancer medicines domestically can help lower costs and improve access.
Local manufacturing also strengthens the healthcare system and contributes to self-reliance. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the risks of reliance on global pharmaceutical supply chains. With local production capabilities, Cambodia can ensure a steady supply of essential anticancer drugs. Investing in domestic manufacturing also develops technical skills, creates jobs, and supports economic growth.
Some key benefits of building local anticancer drug manufacturing capacity in Cambodia include:
1. Reduces Costs of Treatment:
Local production eliminates import expenses and tariffs, lowering prices. More affordable locally produced medicines lead to better access for patients.
2. Provides Greater Access to Essential Medicines:
Reliable access to domestically produced anticancer drugs reduces dependence on potentially unstable global supply chains. Patients can depend on steady supplies of affordable treatment.
3. Strengthens Healthcare System:
Local manufacturing capabilities improve self-sufficiency and contribute to the growth of the healthcare sector with increased jobs, knowledge, and technical skills.
Developing domestic anticancer drug production aligns with Cambodia’s national health goals. With quality local manufacturing, more cancer patients can access the treatments they need for better outcomes.
Florencia Healthcare Overview
Florencia Healthcare is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, affordable anticancer medicines in Cambodia. Established in 2005, the company has become a trusted partner for healthcare organizations across the country in providing essential cancer treatment.
Florencia specializes in manufacturing generic chemotherapy drugs and formulations. Their product range covers most standard cytotoxics used globally, including platinum agents like cisplatin, taxanes such as docetaxel, vinca alkaloids like vincristine, antimetabolites such as 5-FU, and targeted therapies.
The company operates a WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified facility equipped with advanced manufacturing and quality control technologies. Florencia maintains rigorous quality standards at every stage – from raw material sourcing to finished product testing. Their anticancer drugs adhere to the highest international pharmacopeia specifications.
In recognition of its commitment to quality, Florencia Healthcare has received ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management systems. The company also complies with Good Distribution Practices (GDP) for optimal storage and transportation of medicines. These stringent standards provide assurance to hospitals, clinics, and patients about the safety and efficacy of Florencia’s anticancer products.
Benefits of Sourcing from Florencia
As a leading anticancer drug manufacturer based in Cambodia, Florencia Healthcare offers many advantages for healthcare providers seeking a reliable, high-quality supply of affordable oncology medications to best serve their patients.
Some key benefits of sourcing from Florencia include:
1. High Quality, Affordable Drugs
Florencia’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities allow the production of generic cancer drugs that meet rigorous international quality standards at a fraction of the price of originator brands. This ensures healthcare providers can access essential, life-saving medicines to pass on savings to patients in need.
2. Reliable Local Supply Chain
With its headquarters and manufacturing base in Cambodia, Florencia eliminates import and distribution barriers that can lead to drug shortages or prohibitively expensive supplies. Doctors can count on Florencia for a steady, uninterrupted flow of medications directly from the source.
3. Tailored Formulations and Dosages
Florencia prides itself on working closely with customers to provide customized medication options that best suit their patient demographics and treatment protocols. Their R&D and production teams can develop specific formulations, strengths, and pack sizes upon request.
Sourcing anticancer drugs from a trusted local producer like Florencia Healthcare helps provide the quality, affordability, and accessibility needed to make better cancer care attainable for more Cambodian citizens.
Company Values and Commitment
At Florencia Healthcare, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable anticancer medications that transform lives and provide hope to patients in Cambodia and beyond. We believe that everyone deserves access to the medicines they need, regardless of their financial circumstances.
As a manufacturer founded and operated in Cambodia, we have an intimate understanding of the local context. We know that for many Cambodians, imported drugs are prohibitively expensive. Our goal is to help cancer patients by producing quality generics at a fraction of the cost. We aim to save lives not just through our products, but also through our patient assistance programs and partnerships with local hospitals and charities.
Our work is driven by a sense of social responsibility and giving back to the communities we serve. We proudly donate a portion of profits to cancer foundations and sponsor numerous community outreach initiatives. For example, we provide free screenings and cancer education programs in rural villages. We also partner with organizations to offer subsidized treatment and travel assistance for low-income patients.
At the heart of our work is a deeply held commitment to integrity, transparency and ethical practices. We hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to safety, quality control, environmental sustainability and corporate governance. We are guided by our core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and innovation. Everything we do is rooted in improving lives and delivering on our promise to provide “Quality Medicines for All.”
The Future of Cancer Care in Cambodia
Right now, Cambodia faces serious challenges in cancer treatment and care. However, there are promising developments and opportunities that can shape the future of cancer care in the country.
Improving Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Going forward, a major priority must be developing and enhancing cancer screening and early detection programs. Detecting cancer at an early stage dramatically improves outcomes and survival rates. Community education programs can teach people about cancer risks and early warning signs, empowering them to seek screening and care sooner.
National screening initiatives, especially for common cancers like cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer, will be instrumental. Screening guidelines and recommendations tailored for the Cambodian population need to be established and implemented. Resources and infrastructure must expand to make screening through mammography, colonoscopy, pap smears, and other tests widely accessible.
Research into genetic predispositions and molecular biomarkers found in the Cambodian population can also help refine risk assessment and early diagnostic approaches.
Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure and Access
As the Cambodian economy grows and the healthcare system develops, major investments in infrastructure and facilities will expand access to cancer care. Building additional comprehensive cancer centers equipped with modern technologies and highly trained staff is essential for providing quality care close to home for more patients.
Telemedicine can also play a role in connecting patients in rural areas with cancer specialists. Increasing training programs for healthcare workers throughout the country improves knowledge and capacity surrounding cancer at the local level. Addressing disparities and reaching vulnerable groups with cancer education and services must be a focus as infrastructure expands.
With the right priorities and strategies, Cambodia can make progress against cancer – saving lives through better prevention, earlier detection, and universal access to quality care and treatment nationwide.
Conclusion
Cancer is a growing health concern in Cambodia that requires increased access to quality oncology care and anticancer medicines. Sourcing anticancer drugs locally from manufacturers like Florencia Healthcare enables more affordable and sustainable treatment options for Cambodian patients.
Florencia is committed to expanding access to essential medicines and supporting improved cancer care across Cambodia. By partnering with Florencia for oncology drug production, hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics can provide better care and outcomes for cancer patients.
The future of cancer treatment in Cambodia depends on continued investments in local manufacturing capabilities and capacity. Healthcare providers across Cambodia are encouraged to source anticancer drugs from Florencia Healthcare as a trusted, quality supplier dedicated to making cancer care more accessible. Contact Florencia today to learn about sourcing high-quality, affordable anticancer medicines made right here in Cambodia.