My uncle died of lung cancer a couple of years ago. However, he lived in a third world country and it wasn’t diagnosed

Question: My uncle died of lung cancer a couple of years ago. However, he lived in a third world country and it wasn't diagnosed till after his death due to a lack of healthcare and wellbeing facilities. Do you think we will ever enter a time where third world country citizens will have access to free simple health checks that could be potentially life-saving? If yes, how? Thanks
- Keywords:
  global health,
  healthcare,
  society
Asked by 712prmc52 to Richard, vediacan on 26 Jun 2015.
- Vedia Can answered on 26 Jun 2015:
  
  Dear 712prmc52,
  
  Firstly, I am sorry for your loss. This is a topic close to my heart, I believe that diagnosis of Cancer (especially in the young people) is problematic in all countries. I would like to think that at some point in time (perhaps 10 years from now) we will ensure that all of the third world country citizens will have access to free health checks. I know that there are numerous volunteer doctors that travel the world and set-up basic clinics in the third world countries where they run free check ups for patients. I also believe that the advancement in technology will allow scientists to devise cheap detection kits that could potentially help in early diagnosis. But as mentioned above, I think this is still a long way away from accomplishment.
  
  Best Wishes,
  
  Vedia
- Richard Prince answered on 26 Jun 2015:
  
  Hi 712.
  Please accept my condolences.
  Access to health care is a major issue and something that richer countries need to sort out. However, medical technology is getting cheaper all the time, so this is going to be a more realistic prospect in the coming years.
  I personally would like to see pharmaceutical companies do more. They have been guilty of some very shoddy practices in developing countries and it is time they stepped up to the plate and took their responsibilities more seriously. Cancer care is a major area, others are HIV and TB. It’s not just about providing cheaper medicines, it’s also about working on diseases that are big problems in developing countries – more research on malaria for instance. I think if they don’t do this voluntarily, governments should intervene.
  Best wishes
  Richard