Lung Cancer in Argentina

Abstract

Argentina, the southernmost country in Latin America (LATAM), spans over 1 million square miles with a population of 46 million as of 2022, marking a 15.3% increase since 20101 (Fig. 1). With 18% of its population aged over 65 and 92% residing in urban areas, Argentina presents a diverse landscape both geographically and demographically. It is divided into 24 departments or provinces, including the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Almost 70% of the population lives in the richest six central provinces. Life expectancy is 76 years (73 y for men and 79 y for women).2 The country’s health care system is characterized by fragmentation, with the population covered by a mix of mandatory Social Security (60%), private health care providers (13%), and state-funded public health care (36%). Retired citizens have full medical coverage from the Programa de Asistencia Médica Integral.3 This fragmentation often leads to disparities in health care outcomes across different regions and subsystems...