Cancer Science Education is Advancing, but Not Everywhere

Over recent decades, advances in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics have substantially transformed the scientific understanding of cancer and reshaped clinical oncology. Technologies such as next-generation sequencing, molecular profiling, and biomarker identification have enabled more precise tumor classification and personalized therapeutic strategies, contributing to the consolidation of precision oncology. However, these advances are not equally accessible worldwide. While high-income countries increasingly incorporate molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies into routine clinical practice, many low- and middle-income countries still struggle to provide even basic oncological services. The objective of this reflection is to discuss the growing disparity in access to cancer knowledge, diagnostic technologies, and scientific participation between high-income and resource-limited settings. In many regions, essential tools such as immunohistochemistry, advanced imaging, and molecular testing remain limited or unavailable, leading to delayed diagnoses, empirically guided treatments, and poorer outcomes. These disparities also influence global scientific production, as most cancer research originates from well-resourced institutions, while populations with the highest burden of disease remain underrepresented in clinical trials and molecular studies. Addressing this imbalance requires global investment in diagnostic infrastructure, training of healthcare professionals, and equitable international research collaborations. Expanding access to cancer knowledge and technologies is essential to ensure that advances in oncology translate into meaningful improvements in outcomes for patients worldwide.