
The fight against cancer in Mexico is an alarming reality that affects many lives every day. As the country faces significant challenges such as pollution, disparities in access to care, and often underfunded health systems, families remaining in the country find themselves in a precarious situation, desperately seeking solutions to support their loved ones.
In this article, we will explore the critical issues related to cancer care in Mexico and examine the options available to make treatments more accessible. You will discover how innovative alternatives can transform the way care is funded and provided.
A Perspective on Health in Mexico
The health system in Mexico is characterized by a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. Although the country has made notable progress in improving health infrastructure and access to care, it still faces significant problems.
Among the diseases afflicting the population, Mexico experiences both typical diseases of developing countries, such as dengue, and an alarming increase in chronic diseases, often referred to as “diseases of civilization.”
These include cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which are among the leading causes of mortality.
Breast cancer, tuberculosis, and high blood pressure are also major concerns for public health. The fight against these diseases has led the Mexican government to adopt a proactive policy focused on prevention, with national campaigns aimed at raising awareness and educating the population about the risks associated with these pathologies.
In particular, malignant tumors are the fourth leading cause of death in Mexico, accounting for about 12% of deaths.
With an average life expectancy of 78 years, this situation has led to increased awareness since 2021 regarding early cancer detection and the living conditions of patients.
The government and civil society are mobilizing to enhance detection capabilities and improve access to care, recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to health that integrates both treatment and psychosocial support.
Cancer Cases in Mexico
Breast cancer is positioned as the most common form of cancer in Mexico, leading to a daily tragedy with approximately 15 deaths per day. This reality highlights a major public health issue, where the deadliest neoplasms also include lung, colon, prostate, and stomach cancer.
These alarming statistics reveal the urgency of a systematic and coordinated response to this health crisis.
Although the causes of cancer differ by gender, it is noted that women are the most affected compared to men.
In 2022, the Global Cancer Observatory reported that there had been more than 95,000 new cases of cancer among men, a figure that rose to more than 111,000 among women.
Among the causes of cancer are tobacco, alcohol, infections, and also UV radiation.
Challenges in Cancer Care in Mexico

Pollution, a Cancer Factor for Remote Populations
In Mexico, the fight against environmental pollution has become a crucial public health issue, particularly for populations living near industrial areas.
In the state of Hidalgo, for example, the residents of Tepetitlán are facing a real “environmental hell.” The Endhó dam, which receives wastewater from the capital and industrial residues, is at the heart of this crisis.
In addition to the devastating effects on local biodiversity, water contamination has led to an alarming increase in cancer cases in the region.
For over two decades, this community has been fighting to preserve its drinking water sources and denouncing the persistent pollution that affects their daily lives.
Several studies have highlighted a 189% increase in cancer deaths between 2010 and 2020 in the Tula region, compared to 30% for the rest of the country. These striking figures underline the severity of the situation and the clear link between industrial discharges and the health of the residents.
This ecological and health crisis highlights the inequalities in access to healthy living conditions for isolated populations in Mexico.
While large cities benefit from more developed resources and infrastructure, rural communities are often sacrificed for economic growth.
Lack of Resources and Difficulties in Accessing Care
One of the main challenges in fighting cancer in Mexico is access to health services.
Many people face significant obstacles when it comes to detecting and treating this disease.
Although early detection is crucial for improving survival chances, patients often encounter difficulties such as the absence of medical infrastructure nearby, limited access to essential treatments, and a lack of specialists capable of managing detection and treatment equipment.
As a result, even when cancer is identified at an early stage, external factors can compromise the effectiveness of care.
Logistical difficulties, combined with geographical inequalities in the distribution of health resources, exacerbate the problem. Indeed, the three wealthiest cities in the country—Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara—concentrate 60% of oncology specialists, leaving many regions of the country underserved.
Unevenly Distributed Social Security Across the Territory
Mexico has two social security systems to ensure medical monitoring and funding of healthcare costs: the IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) and the ISSSTE (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado).
While workers earning the minimum wage are exempt from contributions (the employer covers them), a large part of the population is not eligible for these protections.
Indeed, this social protection does not extend to the majority of the population, particularly those who work in the informal sector.
About 50% of Mexican workers, often in precarious jobs, have no social coverage.
This makes them particularly vulnerable to the exorbitant costs of medical treatments, including those related to cancer.
Limited Access to Medications
The situation has worsened in recent years, particularly regarding the supply of oncological drugs.
In 2022, the Mexican government entrusted UNOPS, the UN’s procurement agency, with the task of purchasing a significant quantity of medications and medical supplies, including 155 drugs for cancer treatment.
However, this project encountered major difficulties.
Five months after the tender was launched, it was revealed that the agency had only managed to award contracts for 1,038 of the 2,034 required medications, barely 51% of the total needed.
The fight against corruption has unfortunately also contributed to this medication shortage.
Although necessary, the fight against corruption in Mexico has had unintended consequences on access to treatments for cancer patients.
Reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing abuses have led to disruptions in supply chains, resulting in shortages of essential medications.
Thus, despite the intention to ensure better access to care, patients often find themselves deprived of the vital treatments they need, revealing an imbalance between health system reform and the needs of the sick.
Remittances for Cancer Care in Mexico: Where Do We Stand?

While many families are deprived of care due to a lack of financial means, the opening of aid from around the world is still too limited. Indeed, it is possible to support or send funds to loved ones suffering from cancer while avoiding risks.
So far, numerous systems have been put in place to facilitate financial support for people to their relatives remaining in the country… But these can have many drawbacks.
Traditional banks provide a reliable and secure option for transferring money. They are subject to strict regulations, ensuring a high level of fund protection. However, this security often comes with high fees and processing times that can extend to several days, which can be problematic in emergencies, especially for healthcare.
Moreover, access to banking services is still limited for a significant portion of the Mexican population, restricting transfer options for those who need them most.
Online services and mobile apps, such as Wise, PayPal, or WorldRemit, have transformed the money transfer landscape. These platforms enable fast and often economical transfers, making transactions accessible to a broad audience.
The problem is that their use generally requires the recipient to have an account on the same platform, which can be a barrier.
Furthermore, these services are not specifically designed for medical needs, leaving donors without guarantees about the use of the funds for care.
Despite these advancements, concerns remain about the transparency of the transfer process. Although the fees are generally lower than those of banks, donors do not always have a clear mechanism to track how the funds are used once received.
This is particularly concerning when considering the potential for fund misappropriation.
Health Credits: A Promising Solution for Healthcare Access in Mexico
Faced with the challenges posed by traditional money transfer methods and limited access to healthcare services, health credits emerge as a promising alternative to finance medical care in Mexico, which is what KimboCare invites you to discover today.
Today, it is possible to purchase digital health credits, allowing your loved ones to access preventive and curative care services without the need for a bank account or the use of digital currency platforms.
The credits are immediately usable at medical facilities rigorously verified and controlled by KimboCare.
Unlike sending money, often without guarantees of being used for appropriate care, health credits offer a clear and secure solution. They allow real-time tracking of financed medical services, ensuring that every penny spent truly contributes to the health and well-being of the beneficiary.
This approach is particularly aimed at empowering vulnerable populations, especially women and children, by facilitating their access to quality care, and thus, to a longer and healthier life.
Moreover, health credits are supported by advanced encryption protocols, ensuring the protection of personal data and providing additional peace of mind to those who wish to help their loved ones.
Ultimately, KimboCare represents a significant advancement in access to medical care in Mexico, combining simplicity, security, and efficiency.
FAQ
1. What types of cancer are most common in Mexico?
Breast cancer is the most widespread type, followed by lung, colon, prostate, and stomach cancer. These neoplasms constitute a significant portion of cancer-related deaths in the country.
2. How does the Mexican healthcare system manage cancer patients?
The Mexican healthcare system offers services through schemes like IMSS and ISSSTE, but many patients face obstacles such as lack of access to medical infrastructure, long treatment delays, and a limited supply of oncological drugs.
3. What funding options are available for cancer treatments?
In addition to banks and money transfer apps, digital health credits represent a promising solution. They enable loved ones to access medical services without needing bank accounts, while ensuring that the funds are used for specific care.
4. What initiatives exist to improve cancer awareness in Mexico?
The Mexican government has implemented awareness campaigns to educate the population on early detection and cancer risk factors. These initiatives aim to promote proactive health behaviors and improve survival rates.
5. How can I support a loved one fighting cancer in Mexico?
You can help your loved ones by using platforms like KimboCare to send health credits, allowing them direct access to quality medical care. It is also important to talk about the disease and raise awareness among your peers about the importance of early diagnosis and regular medical follow-up.