Cancer control in the Pacific: big challenges facing small island states.

This Series paper describes the current state of cancer control in Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs). PICTs are diverse but face common challenges of having small, geographically dispersed, isolated populations, with restricted resources, fragile ecological and economic systems, and overburdened health services. PICTs face a triple burden of infection-related cancers, rapid transition to lifestyle-related diseases, and ageing populations; additionally, PICTs are increasingly having to respond to natural disasters associated with climate change. In the Pacific region, cancer surveillance systems are generally weaker than those in high-income countries, and patients often present at advanced cancer stage. Many PICTs are unable to provide comprehensive cancer services, with some patients receiving cancer care in other countries where resources allow. Many PICTs do not have, or have poorly developed, cancer screening, pathology, oncology, surgical, and palliative care services, although some examples of innovative cancer planning, prevention, and treatment approaches have been developed in the region. To improve cancer outcomes, we recommend prioritising regional collaborative approaches, enhancing cervical cancer prevention, improving cancer surveillance and palliative care services, and developing targeted treatment capacity in the region.

Permanent peritoneal ports for the management of recurrent malignant ascites: a retrospective review of safety and efficacy.

Large volume paracentesis is effective in relieving the symptoms of malignant ascites, but frequent procedures are often required. Permanent peritoneal ports are an alternative to repeated procedures. We describe our experience with the use of peritoneal ports in patients at Middlemore Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand) who had a port inserted for the drainage of malignant ascites. Twenty-eight ports were inserted in 26 patients and accessed a total of 257 times with acceptably low rates of complications including cellulitis, peritonitis and wound dehiscence.