Artificial Intelligence and Cancer Control in Low-middle Income Countries- relevance in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

In view of limited resources and financial constraints, overburdened cancer services in low-middle income countries struggle to provide timely interventions in patients with cancer. Cancer services have been severely affected during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Many patients are being deprived of timely screening and treatments have been delayed owing to resource reallocation and funding constraints. Artificial intelligence shows considerable promise in reducing screening, treatment, and patient waiting times; it also increases departmental throughput and improves the cost-benefit ratio of treatment. In limited resource settings, the reallocation of saved costs may be used to improve care services. In view of the disruption caused by the pandemic, greater use of artificial intelligence for cancer screening and care may reduce the burden on existing facilities in low-middle income countries. This may aid early diagnosis and treatment, prevent the need for prolonged and intensive treatments, and improve patient outcomes at this difficult time.

Keywords

• artificial intelligence; low-middle-income countries; cancer control