**Increasing Cancer Epidemic in Baja California Amid Oncologist Shortage**
Baja California is grappling with an alarming shortage of oncologists, which has severely impacted the region’s ability to address the growing cancer epidemic among women. There are only about 30 oncology specialists in the public health sector to manage patients with various types of tumors, with breast and cervical cancers being the most prevalent and deadly.
The Baja California Health Department reports a mere 12 specialists: six clinical oncologists, three surgeons, and three radio-oncologists, alongside 21 radiologists distributed across Mexicali, Tijuana, and Ensenada. Unfortunately, areas like Playas de Rosarito and Tecate lack secondary and tertiary care facilities, forcing diagnosed patients to seek treatment in Tijuana. Similarly, patients from San Felipe and San QuintÃn must travel to Mexicali and Ensenada for care.
While exact figures for women diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer in Baja California are unavailable, national statistics from 2022 recorded 23,790 new cases, with Baja California ranking sixth in incidence. In 2024 alone, 391 new breast cancer cases and 158 cervical cancer cases have been detected, prompting intensified screening campaigns in public spaces.
Dr. Enrique Campos, Deputy Medical Director of Health Jurisdiction 2, highlighted, “Breast cancer is particularly concerning due to the increase in cases. The mortality rate in Baja California stands at 19.82 per 100,000 inhabitants, above the national average.”
Despite cervical cancer being largely preventable through screening, HPV vaccinations, and education, many cases are detected late due to social stigma and delayed medical consultation, complicating treatment efforts.
The Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSTE) contributes six more oncologists, serving a patient population of over 15,000, including more than 10,000 breast cancer cases and 278 cases of cervical cancer. Dr. Lucely Cetina, an oncologist from the National Cancer Institute, underscores the need for more resources and specialists, as treatments remain limited.
**Secondary Article: Efforts to Combat Oncologist Shortage in Mexico**
Recent reports have highlighted a critical shortage of oncologists across Mexico, which is profoundly affecting cancer care, especially in less centralized regions like Baja California. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) reported that as of 2022, there were only 1,043 oncologists in the public sector in Mexico, with the majority stationed in Mexico City.
Efforts to bridge this gap have included new government initiatives aimed at increasing the number of trained oncologists. Medical institutions are collaborating with international bodies to enhance oncology training programs and develop infrastructure to better detect and treat cancer.
Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Hospitals are investing in state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment. Recently, Baja California acquired a new radiotherapy machine, the first significant update in over 15 years, to replace outdated equipment at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
However, significant challenges remain, particularly with cervical cancer, which is highly preventable yet requires coordinated public health campaigns to reduce its incidence. The expansion of HPV vaccination programs and awareness campaigns are key components of this strategy, aiming for long-term impact despite initial hurdles in implementation.
Collectively, these efforts are aimed at not only reducing the incidence of cancer but also improving timely access to care, especially in regions previously underserved by specialized medical professionals.