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Merrell KW, Konney TO, Acheamfour O, Lucido J, Aduse-Poku AY, Kumar A, Ansah MB, Amankwa AT, Shumway D, Awittor FK, Badu-Peprah A, Fonkoua LAAK, Hendrickson AEW, Boakye E, Adjei EK, Kyei I, Kemper K, Rank M, Peethambaram PP, Spangenberg K, Sorenson K, Hearrold M, Garda A, Graham R, Lang K, Adom J, Achiaa R, Jakub J, Amo BD, Osei-Bonsu E, Camacho R, Addison ECDK. Participant Evaluation of a Multi-disciplinary Oncology Preceptorship Training Program for Oncology Health Professionals from Kumasi, Ghana. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024; 39:360-367. [PMID: 38506985 PMCID: PMC11219391 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
A critical shortage of skilled healthcare workers is a primary cause of disparate global cancer outcomes. We report participant evaluation of a multidisciplinary preceptorship program. In collaboration with the city of Kumasi, Ghana, Mayo Clinic and the City Cancer Challenge hosted a preceptorship program for comprehensive multidisciplinary breast and cervix cancer training. A total of 14 healthcare workers from Kumasi received two weeks of training at Mayo Clinic in November and December 2021. Each participant and preceptor were requested to complete an anonymous post-participation survey. Of the 14 trainee participants, 10 (71%) completed the survey. All respondents found the program "valuable and applicable to their clinical practice." Ninety percent reported they were able to "review effective and critical elements in the development and expansion of the multidisciplinary team" and able to "solve practical clinical cases as a team". General themes of satisfaction included: (1) organization and administration, (2) clinical observations and demonstrations, (3) guidelines development, and (4) recognizing the central importance of cultivating a team-based approach. Of the 40 preceptors, 16 (40%) completed the survey. All respondents reported they felt the training would meaningfully "influence patient care in Ghana", that participation "added value or joy to their clinical practice," and all wished to "participate in future preceptorship programs". After a focused two-week program, trainees reported high satisfaction, usefulness from observing specialized cancer care, and value in closely observing a multidisciplinary oncology team. Preceptors reported the experience added joy and perspective to their clinical practice and wished to participate in future programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W Merrell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Global Bridges, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | | | | | - Joseph Lucido
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Amanika Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Dean Shumway
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ernest Boakye
- Ernphil Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kasie Sorenson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Miranda Hearrold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Allison Garda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rondell Graham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karen Lang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joseph Adom
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - James Jakub
- General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Pesapane F, Tantrige P, Rotili A, Nicosia L, Penco S, Bozzini AC, Raimondi S, Corso G, Grasso R, Pravettoni G, Gandini S, Cassano E. Disparities in Breast Cancer Diagnostics: How Radiologists Can Level the Inequalities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:130. [PMID: 38201557 PMCID: PMC10777939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Access to medical imaging is pivotal in healthcare, playing a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases. However, disparities persist in this scenario, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers. This paper critically assesses methods to mitigate these disparities, with a focus on breast cancer screening. We underscore scientific mobility as a vital tool for radiologists to advocate for healthcare policy changes: it not only enhances diversity and cultural competence within the radiology community but also fosters international cooperation and knowledge exchange among healthcare institutions. Efforts to ensure cultural competency among radiologists are discussed, including ongoing cultural education, sensitivity training, and workforce diversification. These initiatives are key to improving patient communication and reducing healthcare disparities. This paper also highlights the crucial role of policy changes and legislation in promoting equal access to essential screening services like mammography. We explore the challenges and potential of teleradiology in improving access to medical imaging in remote and underserved areas. In the era of artificial intelligence, this paper emphasizes the necessity of validating its models across a spectrum of populations to prevent bias and achieve equitable healthcare outcomes. Finally, the importance of international collaboration is illustrated, showcasing its role in sharing insights and strategies to overcome global access barriers in medical imaging. Overall, this paper offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges related to disparities in medical imaging access and proposes actionable strategies to address these challenges, aiming for equitable healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pesapane
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Priyan Tantrige
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS, UK;
| | - Anna Rotili
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Luca Nicosia
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Silvia Penco
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Anna Carla Bozzini
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Sara Raimondi
- Molecular and Pharmaco-Epidemiology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Giovanni Corso
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (R.G.); (G.P.)
- Division of Breast Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- European Cancer Prevention Organization (ECP), 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Grasso
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (R.G.); (G.P.)
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (R.G.); (G.P.)
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Gandini
- Molecular and Pharmaco-Epidemiology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Enrico Cassano
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.C.B.); (E.C.)
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Martin MG, Chidebe RCW, Nwaneri MO, Miller E, Okoye I, Esiaka DK, Olasinde TA, Durosinmi-Etti FA, Igbinoba F, Adegboyega BC, Adenjii A, Aruah CS, Orjiakor TC, Abubakar BM, Atuwo D, O'Connor T. Impact of 10-Day Fulbright Specialist Program and Project Pink Blue Education Sessions on Medical Oncology Knowledge Among Physicians Who Treat Cancer in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:378-382. [PMID: 35838882 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02130-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite an estimated population of over 201 million and over 115,950 yearly diagnosed new cases of cancer, Nigeria does not have dedicated medical oncologists. Most oncology care is delivered through surgical and clinical oncologists, who are trained in both radiation and medical oncology and they number fewer than 50 in the country. With a limited number of oncology professionals, cancer patients in Nigeria experience poor health outcomes, with an estimated cancer mortality rate of 75,000 deaths per year. Participants from 15 Nigerian states were selected to attend the medical oncology training. Through the support of Fulbright Specialist Program and Project PINK BLUE, two of the authors delivered 10 days of lectures based on ASCO, ESMO, and NCCN guidelines. Mean scores of both the pre- and post-course tests as well as a 1-year follow-up test were compared using GraphPad Prism 7.0a by paired t-tests. Forty-four clinical oncologists were selected for participation. Twenty-five (57%) completed the pre- and post-course tests. Of the 25 that completed both tests, percentage of correct answers increased from 45 to 59% (2-sided p-value < 0.0001). Improvements were seen in attending doctors 45 to 59% (p = 0.0046) and resident doctors 45 to 59% (0.0007). Eleven doctors responded to the 1-year follow-up test. Although not statistically significant, a numerical pattern for the benefits was maintained 1 year after the program (45% pre-course versus 52% post-course correct answers, Fisher's exact, p = 0.4185). In the short term, the training improved medical oncology knowledge in Nigeria, regardless of the participant's carrier stage. Long-term benefits were not sustained in a small sample of participants, and continuing education strategies are necessary. Similar models may be employed across Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Martin
- West Cancer Center and Research Institute, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Fulbright Specialist Program, Washington, D.C., USA.
- West Cancer Center, 1588 Union Ave, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA.
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK.
| | - R C W Chidebe
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Project PINK BLUE - Health & Psychological Trust Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
- National Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - M O Nwaneri
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Project PINK BLUE - Health & Psychological Trust Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - E Miller
- West Cancer Center and Research Institute, Memphis, TN, USA
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - I Okoye
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Project PINK BLUE - Health & Psychological Trust Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - D K Esiaka
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Union College, Schenectady, NY, USA
| | - T A Olasinde
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - F A Durosinmi-Etti
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - F Igbinoba
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - B C Adegboyega
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - A Adenjii
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - C S Aruah
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Abuja College of Medicine, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - T C Orjiakor
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - B M Abubakar
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - D Atuwo
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- National Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - T O'Connor
- Fulbright Specialist Program, Washington, D.C., USA
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Ngwa W, Addai BW, Adewole I, Ainsworth V, Alaro J, Alatise OI, Ali Z, Anderson BO, Anorlu R, Avery S, Barango P, Bih N, Booth CM, Brawley OW, Dangou JM, Denny L, Dent J, Elmore SNC, Elzawawy A, Gashumba D, Geel J, Graef K, Gupta S, Gueye SM, Hammad N, Hessissen L, Ilbawi AM, Kambugu J, Kozlakidis Z, Manga S, Maree L, Mohammed SI, Msadabwe S, Mutebi M, Nakaganda A, Ndlovu N, Ndoh K, Ndumbalo J, Ngoma M, Ngoma T, Ntizimira C, Rebbeck TR, Renner L, Romanoff A, Rubagumya F, Sayed S, Sud S, Simonds H, Sullivan R, Swanson W, Vanderpuye V, Wiafe B, Kerr D. Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncol 2022; 23:e251-e312. [PMID: 35550267 PMCID: PMC9393090 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Information and Sciences, ICT University, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Beatrice W Addai
- Breast Care International, Peace and Love Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Isaac Adewole
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Victoria Ainsworth
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - James Alaro
- National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Zipporah Ali
- Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose Anorlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Avery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Prebo Barango
- WHO, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Noella Bih
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Otis W Brawley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Lynette Denny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - Shekinah N C Elmore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ahmed Elzawawy
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Jennifer Geel
- Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katy Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Laila Hessissen
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Andre M Ilbawi
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joyce Kambugu
- Department of Pediatrics, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- Laboratory Services and Biobank Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Simon Manga
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lize Maree
- Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Susan Msadabwe
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Miriam Mutebi
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kingsley Ndoh
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Twalib Ngoma
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Timothy R Rebbeck
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lorna Renner
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fidel Rubagumya
- Department of Oncology, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Shahin Sayed
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shivani Sud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah Simonds
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - William Swanson
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - David Kerr
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Diao K, Lombe DC, Mwaba CK, Wu J, Kizub DA, Cameron CA, Chiao EY, Msadabwe SC, Lin LL. Building Capacity for Cancer Research in the Era of COVID-19: Implementation and Results From an International Virtual Clinical Research Training Program in Zambia. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100372. [PMID: 35594499 PMCID: PMC9173571 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing rapidly, yet cancer research in the region continues to lag. One contributing factor is limited exposure to clinical research among trainees. We describe implementation and results of a virtual clinical research training program for Zambian clinical oncology fellows developed jointly by the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia and the MD Anderson Cancer Center to address this need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Diao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Dorothy C. Lombe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MidCentral District Health Board, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Juliana Wu
- University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health, Houston, TX
| | - Darya A. Kizub
- Department of Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Carrie A. Cameron
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Elizabeth Y. Chiao
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Lilie L. Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Kuc KJ, Roberts DH, Caballero AE. Training Future International Clinical Academic Leaders Through a Structured Observership Program: Impact and Outcomes from the Initial Cohort. THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2022; 42:e99-e101. [PMID: 34108386 DOI: 10.1097/ceh.0000000000000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical observership programs have existed for many years as both formal initiatives organized at the institutional or professional society level and informal arrangements between individual physicians and prospective mentors. However, few programs longitudinally assess their impact on patient care and require implementation of a postobservership project to demonstrate learning. In 2018, the Harvard Medical School Office for External Education launched the International Clinical Leaders Observership Program (ICLOP) as an opportunity for midcareer physicians to shadow Harvard Medical School faculty in one of three specialty areas: oncology, cardiology, or diabetology. The culminating activity for each participant was presentation of a capstone project and commitment to implement it on returning home. METHODS We summarize here the initial cohort and results from a follow-up survey measuring the impact of the program on their subsequent patient care, academic activities, and achievements. RESULTS At 1 year of follow-up, 90% of survey respondents had implemented their project. Improvements were reported in areas of clinical, surgical, therapeutic, system, patient education, and team innovation, as well as personal benefits to the participants. DISCUSSION ICLOP is a robust and reproducible initiative that resulted in meaningful improvements in patient care and physician-related outcomes for the first cohort of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Kuc
- Ms. Kuc: Former Associate Director, Professional Programs, Department of Postgraduate Medical Education, Office for External Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Dr. Roberts: Dean for External Education and Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Dr. Caballero: Faculty Director, International Innovation Programs, Faculty Director of Diabetes Education in the Office for External Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, and Endocrinologist and Clinical Investigator, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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7
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Karim S, Sunderji Z, Jalink M, Mohamed S, Mallick I, Msadabwe-Chikuni SC, Delgarno NJ, Hammad N, Berry S. Oncology training and education initiatives in low and middle income countries: a scoping review. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1296. [PMID: 34824619 PMCID: PMC8580602 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The global cancer burden falls disproportionately on low and middle-income countries (LMICs). One significant barrier to adequate cancer control in these countries is the lack of an adequately trained oncology workforce. Oncology education and training initiatives are a critical component of building the workforce. We performed a scoping review of published training and education initiatives for health professionals in LMICs to understand the strategies used to train the global oncology workforce. Methods We searched Ovid MEDLINE and Embase from database inception (1947) to 4 March 2020. Articles were eligible if they described an oncology medical education initiative (with a clear intervention and outcome) within an LMIC. Articles were classified based on the target population, the level of medical education, degree of collaboration with another institution and if there was an e-learning component to the intervention. Findings Of the 806 articles screened, 25 met criteria and were eligible for analysis. The majority of initiatives were targeted towards physicians and focused on continuing medical education. Almost all the initiatives were done in partnership with a collaborating organisation from a high-income country. Only one article described the impact of the initiative on patient outcomes. Less than half of the initiatives involved e-learning. Conclusions There is a paucity of oncology training and education initiatives in LMICs published in English. Initiatives for non-physicians, efforts to foster collaboration within and between LMICs, knowledge sharing initiatives and studies that measure the impact of these initiatives on developing an effective workforce are highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiya Karim
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada
| | - Zahra Sunderji
- Department of Family Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Matthew Jalink
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 5P9, Canada
| | - Sahar Mohamed
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Indranil Mallick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700 160, India
| | | | - Nancy J Delgarno
- Office of Professional Development and Educational Scholarship, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 0E9, Canada
| | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 5P9, Canada
| | - Scott Berry
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 5P9, Canada
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Naal H, El Koussa M, El Hamouch M, Hneiny L, Saleh S. Evaluation of global health capacity building initiatives in low-and middle-income countries: A systematic review. J Glob Health 2020; 10:020412. [PMID: 33110574 PMCID: PMC7568934 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are in dire need to improve their health outcomes. Although Global Health Capacity Building (GHCB) initiatives are recommended approaches, they risk being ineffective in the absence of standardized evaluation methods. This study systematically reviews evaluation approaches for GHCB initiatives in LMICs. METHODS We searched the Medline (OVID), PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.com databases for studies reporting evaluation of a GHCB initiative in a LMIC from January 1, 2009 until August 15, 2019. To differentiate them from intervention, prevention, and awareness initiatives, included articles reported at least one approach to evaluate their learning modality. We excluded cross-sectional studies, reviews, and book chapters that only assessed the effect of interventions. Data identifying the learning modality, and evaluation method, level, time interval, and approach were extracted from articles as primary outcomes. RESULTS Of 8324 identified studies, 63 articles were eligible for analysis. Most studies stemmed from Africa and Asia (69.8%), were delivered and evaluated face-to-face (74.6% and 76.2%), mainly to professionals (57.1%) and community workers (20.6%). Although the use of online and blended modalities showed an increase over the past 4 years, only face-to-face initiatives were evaluated long-term beyond individual-level. GHCB evaluations in general lacked standardization especially regarding the tools. CONCLUSION This is an important resource for evaluating GHCB initiatives in LMICs. It synthesizes evaluation approaches, offers recommendations for improvement, and calls for the standardization of evaluations, especially for long-term and wider impact assessment of online and blended modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria El Koussa
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Melissa El Hamouch
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Layal Hneiny
- Saab Medical Library at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shadi Saleh
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Health Sciences at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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9
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Hailu D, Fufu Hordofa D, Adam Endalew H, Karimi Mutua D, Bekele W, Bonilla M, Çeliker MY, Challinor J, Dotan A, Habashy C, Kumar PN, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Wali RM, Weitzman S, Broas J, Korones DN, Alexander TB, Shad AT. Training pediatric hematologist/oncologists for capacity building in Ethiopia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28760. [PMID: 33049116 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A considerable barrier to global pediatric oncology efforts has been the scarcity and even absence of trained professionals in many low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of children with cancer reside. In 2013, no dedicated pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) programs existed in Ethiopia despite the estimated annual incidence of 6000-12000 cases. The Aslan Project initiative was established to fill this gap in order to improve pediatric cancer care in Ethiopia. A major objective was to increase subspecialty PHO-trained physicians who were committed to practicing locally and empowered to lead programmatic development. METHODS We designed and implemented a PHO training curriculum to provide a robust educational and clinical experience within the existing resource-constrained environment in Ethiopia. Education relied on visiting PHO faculty, a training attachment abroad, and extraordinary initiative from trainees. RESULTS Four physicians have completed comprehensive PHO subspecialty training based primarily in Ethiopia, and all have remained local. Former fellows are now leading two PHO centers in Ethiopia with a combined capacity of 64 inpatient beds and over 800 new diagnoses per year; an additional former fellow is developing a pediatric cancer program in Nairobi, Kenya. Two fellows currently are in training. Program leadership, teaching, and advocacy are being transitioned to these physicians. CONCLUSIONS Despite myriad challenges, a subspecialty PHO training program was successfully implemented in a low-income country. PHO training in Ethiopia is approaching sustainability through human resource development, and is accelerating the growth of dedicated PHO services where none existed 7 years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hailu
- Department of Pediatrics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Wondwessen Bekele
- Department of Pediatrics, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, East Hanover, New Jersey
| | - Miguel Bonilla
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Mahmut Yasar Çeliker
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Maimonides Children's Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Julia Challinor
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Amit Dotan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Catherine Habashy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Prasanna N Kumar
- Department of Pathology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore, India
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Rabia Muhammad Wali
- Pediatric Oncology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sheila Weitzman
- Division of Pediatric Hematology / Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Broas
- The Aslan Project, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - David N Korones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Thomas B Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aziza T Shad
- The Aslan Project, Washington, District of Columbia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology / Oncology, The Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai, Baltimore, Maryland
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10
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Min J, Chin LK, Oh J, Landeros C, Vinegoni C, Lee J, Lee SJ, Park JY, Liu AQ, Castro CM, Lee H, Im H, Weissleder R. CytoPAN-Portable cellular analyses for rapid point-of-care cancer diagnosis. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eaaz9746. [PMID: 32759277 PMCID: PMC8217912 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz9746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rapid, automated, point-of-care cellular diagnosis of cancer remains difficult in remote settings due to lack of specialists and medical infrastructure. To address the need for same-day diagnosis, we developed an automated image cytometry system (CytoPAN) that allows rapid breast cancer diagnosis of scant cellular specimens obtained by fine needle aspiration (FNA) of palpable mass lesions. The system is devoid of moving parts for stable operations, harnesses optimized antibody kits for multiplexed analysis, and offers a user-friendly interface with automated analysis for rapid diagnoses. Through extensive optimization and validation using cell lines and mouse models, we established breast cancer diagnosis and receptor subtyping in 1 hour using as few as 50 harvested cells. In a prospective patient cohort study (n = 68), we showed that the diagnostic accuracy was 100% for cancer detection and the receptor subtyping accuracy was 96% for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and 93% for hormonal receptors (ER/PR), two key biomarkers associated with breast cancer. A combination of FNA and CytoPAN offers faster, less invasive cancer diagnoses than the current standard (core biopsy and histopathology). This approach should enable the ability to more rapidly diagnose breast cancer in global and remote settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jouha Min
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lip Ket Chin
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Juhyun Oh
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christian Landeros
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Claudio Vinegoni
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeeyeon Lee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jung Lee
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Young Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea
| | - Ai-Qun Liu
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Cesar M Castro
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hakho Lee
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hyungsoon Im
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Lin LL, Lakomy DS, Chiao EY, Strother RM, Wirth M, Cesarman E, Borok M, Busakhala N, Chibwesha CJ, Chinula L, Ndlovu N, Orem J, Phipps W, Sewram V, Vogt SL, Sparano JA, Mitsuyasu RT, Krown SE, Gopal S. Clinical Trials for Treatment and Prevention of HIV-Associated Malignancies in Sub-Saharan Africa: Building Capacity and Overcoming Barriers. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:1134-1146. [PMID: 32697667 PMCID: PMC7392698 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to review the current status of clinical trials for HIV-associated malignancies in people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and efforts made by the AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC) to build capacity in SSA for HIV malignancy research. METHODS All malignancy-related clinical trials in 49 SSA countries on ClinicalTrials.gov were reviewed and evaluated for inclusion and exclusion criteria pertaining to HIV status. Additional studies by AMC in SSA were compiled from Web-based resources, and narrative summaries were prepared to highlight AMC capacity building and training initiatives. RESULTS Of 96 cancer trials identified in SSA, only 11 focused specifically on people living with HIV, including studies in Kaposi sarcoma, cervical dysplasia and cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Recognizing the increasing cancer burden in the region, AMC expanded its clinical trial activities to SSA in 2010, with 4 trials completed to date and 6 others in progress or development, and has made ongoing investments in developing research infrastructure in the region. CONCLUSION As the HIV-associated malignancy burden in SSA evolves, research into this domain has been limited. AMC, the only global HIV malignancy-focused research consortium, not only conducts vital HIV-associated malignancies research in SSA, but also develops pathology, personnel, and community-based infrastructure to meet these challenges in SSA. Nonetheless, there is an ongoing need to build on these efforts to improve HIV-associated malignancies outcomes in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilie L. Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - David S. Lakomy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
| | - Elizabeth Y. Chiao
- Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Ethel Cesarman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Margaret Borok
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Carla J. Chibwesha
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Global Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lameck Chinula
- Division of Global Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Department of Radiology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Warren Phipps
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Vikash Sewram
- African Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Samantha L. Vogt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Joseph A. Sparano
- Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Ronald T. Mitsuyasu
- Center for Clinical AIDS Research and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
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12
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Leak SA, Mmbaga LG, Mkwizu EW, Mapendo PJ, Henke O. Hematological malignancies in East Africa-Which cancers to expect and how to provide services. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232848. [PMID: 32374771 PMCID: PMC7202623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has an increasing non-communicable disease burden. Tanzania has an incidence of more than 35,000 cancer cases per year with an 80% mortality rate. Hematological malignancies account for 10% of these cases. The numbers will double within the next 10 years due to demographic changes, better diagnostic capabilities and life style changes. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre established a Cancer Care Centre (CCC) in December 2016 for a catchment area of 15 million people in Northern Tanzania. This article aims to display the hematological diagnosis and characteristics of the patients as well as to describe the advancements of hematologic services in a low resource setting. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of all hematological malignancies at CCC from December 2016 to May 2019 was performed and a narrative report provides information about diagnostic means, treatment and the use of synergies. RESULTS A total of 209 cases have been documented, the most common malignancies were NHL and MM with 44% and 20%. 36% of NHL cases, 16% of MM cases and 63% of CML cases were seen in patients under the age of 45. When subcategorized, CLL/SLL cases had a median age was 56.5, 51 years for those with other entities of NHL. Sexes were almost equally balanced in all NHL groups while clear male predominance was found in HL and CML. DISCUSSION Malignancies occur at a younger age and higher stages than in Western countries. It can be assumed that infections play a key role herein. Closing the gap of hematologic services in SSA can be achieved by adapting and reshaping existing infrastructure and partnering with international organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Alan Leak
- Cancer Care Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lilian Gasper Mmbaga
- Cancer Care Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Elifuraha Wilson Mkwizu
- Cancer Care Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Priscus John Mapendo
- Cancer Care Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Oliver Henke
- Cancer Care Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
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