A large – 82-country – prospective cohort study, published in the Lancet, found that cancer patients in low- and lower-middle-income countries were up to six times more likely to die within 30 days post-surgery, when compared to those in high-income countries. Around 80% of cancer patients will require surgical intervention.

This study highlights the need for appropriate post-surgical care: facilities and/or care plans, trained staff, early warning systems and critical care facilities.

The full paper is available on The Lancet website.