Esperanza Plan fights cancer in Peru

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Peru, after cardiovascular diseases. It is estimated that 157 of every 100,000 people suffers cancer in Peru. This country with 30.5 million inhabitants, each year  suffers the death of 107 people because of this disease.

To reverse these figures and the high cost of the treatments, Peru launched in November 2012 the Esperanza Plan, aimed to improve the comprehensive cancer care and ensure oncological services, particularly for people with fewer economic resources.

Treatments are fully covered by the State Intangible Fund Solidary Health (FISSAL), which finances the attention of high-cost diseases such as cancer, of affiliates to the Integral Health Insurance (SIS).

Until late 2013, the Esperanza Plan registered 57,531 people benefited by a public investment of $ 6.4 million. The plan also includes universal campaigns to prevent and diagnose the disease.