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Anakwenze CP, Allanson E, Ewongwo A, Lumley C, Bazzett-Matabele L, Msadabwe SC, Kamfwa P, Shouman T, Lombe D, Rubagumya F, Polo A, Ntekim A, Vanderpuye V, Ghebre R, Kochbati L, Awol M, Gnangnon FHR, Snyman L, Fokom Domgue J, Incrocci L, Ndlovu N, Razakanaivo M, Abdel-Wahab M, Trimble E, Schmeler K, Simonds H, Grover S. Mapping of Radiation Oncology and Gynecologic Oncology Services Available to Treat the Growing Burden of Cervical Cancer in Africa. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:595-604. [PMID: 37979709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To meet the demand for cervical cancer care in Africa, access to surgical and radiation therapy services needs to be understood. We thus mapped the availability of gynecologic and radiation therapy equipment and staffing for treating cervical cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS We collected data on gynecologic and radiation oncology staffing, equipment, and infrastructure capacities across Africa. Data was obtained from February to July 2021 through collaboration with international partners using Research Electronic Data Capture. Cancer incidence was taken from the International Agency for Research on Cancer's GLOBOCAN 2020 database. Treatment capacity, including the numbers of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, physicists, gynecologic oncologists, and hospitals performing gynecologic surgeries, was calculated per 1000 cervical cancer cases. Adequate capacity was defined as 2 radiation oncologists and 2 gynecologic oncologists per 1000 cervical cancer cases. RESULTS Forty-three of 54 African countries (79.6%) responded, and data were not reported for 11 countries (20.4%). Respondents from 31 countries (57.4%) reported access to specialist gynecologic oncology services, but staffing was adequate in only 11 countries (20.4%). Six countries (11%) reported that generalist obstetrician-gynecologists perform radical hysterectomies. Radiation oncologist access was available in 39 countries (72.2%), but staffing was adequate in only 16 countries (29.6%). Six countries (11%) had adequate staffing for both gynecologic and radiation oncology; 7 countries (13%) had no radiation or gynecologic oncologists. Access to external beam radiation therapy was available in 31 countries (57.4%), and access to brachytherapy was available in 25 countries (46.3%). The number of countries with training programs in gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, medical physics, and radiation therapy were 14 (26%), 16 (30%), 11 (20%), and 17 (31%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS We identified areas needing comprehensive cervical cancer care infrastructure, human resources, and training programs. There are major gaps in access to radiation oncologists and trained gynecologic oncologists in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidinma P Anakwenze
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Emma Allanson
- Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Australia, and Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Australia
| | | | - Christian Lumley
- Office of Global Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lisa Bazzett-Matabele
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana, and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Paul Kamfwa
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Dorothy Lombe
- Cancer Screening, Treatment and Support Cluster, Health New Zealand, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Fidel Rubagumya
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda, and Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology and Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alfredo Polo
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences & Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Atara Ntekim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Center for Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rahel Ghebre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Lofti Kochbati
- Department of Radiotherapy, Abderrahmen Mami Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Munir Awol
- Department of Oncology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Freddy Houéhanou Rodrigue Gnangnon
- Department of Visceral Surgery, National Teaching Hospital of Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in the Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France, and Laboratory of Epidemiology of Chronic and Neurological Diseases, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Leon Snyman
- Department Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joël Fokom Domgue
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, and Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Luca Incrocci
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, and Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Malala Razakanaivo
- Department of Radiotherapy, Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona University Hospital, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - May Abdel-Wahab
- Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences & Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Kathleen Schmeler
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hannah Simonds
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, and Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Plymouth Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Lin LL, Msadabwe SC, Chiao E. Improving Access to Radiation Therapy Globally To Meet World Health Organization Goals To Eliminate Cervical Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:459-462. [PMID: 37179093 PMCID: PMC10172026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lilie L Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas.
| | | | - Elizabeth Chiao
- Departments of Epidemiology and General Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas
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3
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Diao K, Kizub DA, Ausat N, Mwaba CK, Anakwenze Akinfenwa CP, Cameron CA, Chiao EY, Lombe DC, Msadabwe SC, Lin LL. Perspectives of Zambian Clinical Oncology Trainees in the MD Anderson and Zambia Virtual Clinical Research Training Program (MOZART). Oncologist 2022; 27:e804-e810. [PMID: 35689473 PMCID: PMC9526501 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African countries are underrepresented in cancer research, partly because of a lack of structured curricula on clinical research during medical education. To address this need, the MD Anderson and Zambia Virtual Clinical Research Training Program (MOZART) was developed jointly by MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDA) and the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia (CDH) for Zambian clinical oncology trainees. We explored participant perspectives to provide insight for implementation of similar efforts. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MD Anderson and Zambia Virtual Clinical Research Training Program consisted of weekly virtual lectures and support of Zambian-led research protocols through longitudinal mentorship groups that included CDH faculty and MDA peer and faculty mentors. Participants were contacted via email to take part in semi-structured interviews, which were conducted via teleconference and audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. Emergent themes were extracted and are presented with representative verbatim quotations. RESULTS Thirteen of the 14 (93%) trainees were interviewed. Emergent themes included (1) participants having diverse educational backgrounds but limited exposure to clinical research, (2) importance of cancer research specific to a resource-constrained setting, (3) complementary roles of peer mentors and local and international faculty mentors, (4) positive impact on clinical research skills but importance of a longitudinal program and early exposure to clinical research, and (5) challenges with executing research protocols. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study of African clinical oncology trainees participating in a virtual clinical research training program. The lessons learned from semi-structured interviews with participants in MOZART provided valuable insights that can inform the development of similar clinical research training efforts and scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Diao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Darya A Kizub
- Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Noveen Ausat
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Carrie A Cameron
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Y Chiao
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dorothy C Lombe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MidCentral District Health Board, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Susan C Msadabwe
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lilie L Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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4
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Lombe D, M'ule BC, Msadabwe SC, Chanda E. Gynecological radiation oncology in sub-Saharan Africa: status, problems and considerations for the future. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2022; 32:451-456. [DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2021-002461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological malignancies in Africa form a significant part of the burden of disease. The high prevalence of HIV in some countries creates a heightened risk for development of human papilloma virus related cancers such as cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers. Radiotherapy is an important modality of treatment for cancer and in Africa compensates for the lack of adequate surgical services for a large proportion of cancers as well as being a cornerstone of treatment for locally advanced cancers and palliation. In this review we look at the status of radiotherapy services in sub-Saharan Africa and critical factors that influence its delivery with a focus on gynecological malignancies. This unveils that radiotherapy for gynecological cancers in sub-Saharan Africa is a significant example of the need for a holistic development approach across different sectors of the economy and different disciplines of medicine. The complexity of its management continues to expose the underdevelopment of health and financial systems and the lack of universal health coverage and social systems as we continue to see unnecessary morbidity and mortality due to the lack of organization. More systematic and scientifically robust investigations tailored to the various sub-Saharan Africa countries need to be conducted to elicit disruptive local solutions to the status quo.
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Mumba JM, Kasonka L, Owiti OB, Andrew J, Lubeya MK, Lukama L, Kasempa C, Msadabwe SC, Kalinda C. Cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment delays in the developing world: Evidence from a hospital-based study in Zambia. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2021; 37:100784. [PMID: 34095422 PMCID: PMC8165546 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2021.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Expedited diagnostic processes for all suspected cervical cancer cases remain essential in the effort to improve clinical outcomes of the disease. However, in some developing countries like Zambia, there is paucity of data that assesses factors influencing diagnostic and treatment turnaround time (TAT) and other metrics vital for quality cancer care. We conducted a retrospective hospital-based study at the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) for cervical cancer cases presenting to the facility between January 2014 and December 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics while a generalized linear model of the negative binomial was used to assess determinants of overall TAT. Our study included 2121 patient case files. The median age was 49 years (IQR: ±17) and most patients (n = 634, 31%) were aged between 41 and 50 years. The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Cancer stage II (n = 941, 48%) was the most prevalent while stage IV (n = 103, 5.2%) was the least. The average diagnostic TAT in public laboratories was 1.48 (95%CI: 1.21-1.81) times longer than in private laboratories. Furthermore, referral delay was 55 days (IQR: 24-152) and the overall TAT (oTAT) was 110 days (IQR: 62-204). The age of the patient, HIV status, stage of cancer and histological subtype did not influence oTAT while marital status influenced oTAT. The observed longer oTAT may increase irreversible adverse health outcomes among cervical cancer patients. There is a need to improve cancer care in Zambia through improved health expenditure especially in public health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Mwamba Mumba
- The University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110, Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Ndola Teaching Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Broadway Road, Postal Agency Ndola, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Lackson Kasonka
- The University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110, Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, Nationalist Road, P/Bag RWX1 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Okola Basil Owiti
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Science, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - John Andrew
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Science, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Mwansa Ketty Lubeya
- The University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110, Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, Nationalist Road, P/Bag RWX1 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lufunda Lukama
- Ndola Teaching Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Broadway Road, Postal Agency Ndola, Ndola, Zambia
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Health Sciences., Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Kasempa
- Cancer Diseases Hospital, Nationalist Road, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Susan C. Msadabwe
- Cancer Diseases Hospital, Nationalist Road, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Zambia College of Medicine and Surgery, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Great East Campus, Box 33991, Lusaka, Lusaka
| | - Chester Kalinda
- University of Namibia, Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, School of Science, Katima Mulilo Campus, Winele Road, Private Bag 1096, Ngweze, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Nursing, Desmond Clarence Building, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Rubagumya F, Mitera G, Ka S, Manirakiza A, Decuir P, Msadabwe SC, Adani Ifè S, Nwachukwu E, Ohene Oti N, Borges H, Mutebi M, Abuidris D, Vanderpuye V, Booth CM, Hammad N. Choosing Wisely Africa: Ten Low-Value or Harmful Practices That Should Be Avoided in Cancer Care. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 6:1192-1199. [PMID: 32735489 PMCID: PMC7392774 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Choosing Wisely Africa (CWA) builds on Choosing Wisely (CW) in the United States, Canada, and India and aims to identify low-value, unnecessary, or harmful cancer practices that are frequently used on the African continent. The aim of this work was to use physicians and patient advocates to identify a short list of low-value practices that are frequently used in African low- and middle-income countries. METHODS The CWA Task Force was convened by the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer and included representatives from surgical, medical, and radiation oncology, the private and public sectors, and patient advocacy groups. Consensus was built through a modified Delphi process, shortening a long list of practices to a short list, and then to a final list. A voting threshold of ≥ 60% was used to include an individual practice on the short list. A consensus was reached after a series of teleconferences and voting processes. RESULTS Of the 10 practices on the final list, one is a new suggestion and 9 are revisions or adaptations of practices from previous CW campaign lists. One item relates to palliative care, 8 concern treatment, and one relates to surveillance. CONCLUSION The CWA initiative has identified 10 low-value, common interventions in Africa’s cancer practice. The success of this campaign will be measured by how the recommendations are implemented across sub-Saharan Africa and whether this improves the delivery of high-quality cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidel Rubagumya
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,University of Global Health Equity, Burera, Rwanda
| | | | - Sidy Ka
- Joliot Curie Cancer Institute, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dafalla Abuidris
- National Cancer Institute, University of Geriza, Wad Madani, Sudan
| | | | - Christopher M Booth
- Kingston Health Science Center, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nazik Hammad
- Kingston Health Science Center, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Mumba JM, Kasonka L, Owiti OB, Andrew J, Lubeya MK, Lukama L, Kasempa C, Msadabwe SC, Kalinda C. Dataset evaluating the treatment timeliness of cervical cancer in Zambia. Data Brief 2021; 37:107201. [PMID: 34189197 PMCID: PMC8217689 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed among women globally. Effective screening routines and early detection are vital in reducing its disease burden and mortality. Several factors can influence the timely detection and treatment of cervical cancer, especially in low middle-income countries where the burden of this disease is highest. The data presented in this paper relates to the research article “Cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment delays in the developing world: Evidence from a hospital-based study in Zambia”. The raw and analysed data include the studied patients’ social demographic factors, clinical data concerning the stage and histological subtype of cancer, dates at which the various activities within the cancer treatment pathway occurred and delays to definitive treatment of cervical cancer at Zambia's only cancer treatment facility. Detailing delays to the treatment of cervical cancer allows recognition of specific points in the cancer treatment pathway requiring intervention to effectively improve cancer care and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Mwamba Mumba
- The University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Ndola Teaching Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Broadway Road, Postal Agency Ndola, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Lackson Kasonka
- The University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, Nationalist Road, P/Bag RWX1 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Okola Basil Owiti
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Science, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - John Andrew
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Science, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Mwansa Ketty Lubeya
- The University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, Nationalist Road, P/Bag RWX1 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lufunda Lukama
- Ndola Teaching Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Broadway Road, Postal Agency Ndola, Ndola, Zambia
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Kasempa
- Cancer Diseases Hospital, Nationalist Road, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Susan C. Msadabwe
- Cancer Diseases Hospital, Nationalist Road, Nationalist Road, P/Box RWX1 50110 Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia
- Zambia College of Medicine and Surgery, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Great East Campus, Box 33991, Lusaka
| | - Chester Kalinda
- University of Namibia, Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Natural Science, School of Science, Katima Mulilo Campus, Winele Road, Private Bag 1096, Ngweze, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Nursing, Desmond Clarence Building, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Corresponding author. @ChesterKal
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9
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Lombe DC, Mwaba CK, Msadabwe SC, Banda L, Mwale M, Pupwe G, Kamfwa P, Kanduza M, Munkupa H, Maliti B, Simbeye K, Hachizo P, Lin L, Chiao E, Lishimpi K. Zambia's National Cancer Centre response to the COVID-19 pandemic-an opportunity for improved care. Ecancermedicalscience 2020; 14:1051. [PMID: 32565904 PMCID: PMC7289614 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health systems around the globe even in countries with strong economies. This is of particular concern for nations with weaker health systems. This article reports the response of a comprehensive cancer centre in a lower-middle income country to prevent COVID-19 transmission and how the implementation of pragmatic strategies have served as a springboard to improve cancer services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategies included establishment of a local taskforce, increased education and facilitation of good hygiene practices, staff training, patient triaging, improved patient scheduling, remote review of patients and establishing a virtual platform for meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy C Lombe
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5083-1801
| | - Catherine K Mwaba
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Susan C Msadabwe
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Lewis Banda
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Maurice Mwale
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - George Pupwe
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Paul Kamfwa
- Department of Gynaecology Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Mulape Kanduza
- Department of Medical Physics, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Harry Munkupa
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Biemba Maliti
- Department of Nursing, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Kalyoka Simbeye
- Pharmacy Unit, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Pious Hachizo
- Pharmacy Unit, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Lilie Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth Chiao
- Department of Epidemiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kennedy Lishimpi
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Ministry of Health Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
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Trejo MJ, Lishimpi K, Kalima M, Mwaba CK, Banda L, Chuba A, Chama E, Msadabwe SC, Bell ML, Harris RB, Jacobs E, Soliman A. Effects of HIV status on non-metastatic cervical cancer progression among patients in Lusaka, Zambia. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2020; 30:613-618. [PMID: 32200353 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-000987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest global incidence of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among women in Zambia. HIV increases the risk for cervical cancer and with a national Zambian adult HIV prevalence of 16%, it is important to investigate the impact of HIV on the progression of cervical cancer. We measured differences in cervical cancer progression between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in Zambia. METHODS This study included 577 stage I and II cervical cancer patients seen between January 2008 and December 2012 at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. The inclusion criteria for records during the study period included known HIV status and FIGO stage I and II cervical cancer at initial date of registration in the Cancer Diseases Hospital. Medical records were abstracted for clinical and epidemiological data. Cancer databases were linked to the national HIV database to assess HIV status among cervical cancer patients. Logistic regression examined the association between HIV and progression, which was defined as metastatic or residual tumor after 3 months of initial treatment. RESULTS A total of 2451 cervical cancer cases were identified, and after exclusion criteria were performed the final analysis population totaled 537 patients with stage I and II cervical cancer with known HIV status (224 HIV-positive and 313 HIV-negative). HIV-positive women were, on average, 10 years younger than HIV-negative women who had a median age of 42, ranging between 25 and 72. A total of 416 (77.5%) patients received external beam radiation, and only 249 (46.4%) patients received the recommended treatment of chemotherapy, external beam radiation, and brachytherapy. Most patients were stage II (85.7%) and had squamous cell carcinoma (74.7%). HIV-positive patients were more likely to receive lower doses of external beam radiation than HIV-negative patients (47% vs 37%; P<0.05, respectively). The median total dose of external beam radiation for HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients was 46 Gy and 50 Gy, respectively. HIV positivity did not lead to tumor progression (25.4% in HIV-positive vs 23.9% in HIV-negative, OR 1.04, 95% CI [0.57, 1.92]). However, among a subset of HIV-positive patients, longer duration of infection was associated with lower odds of progression. CONCLUSION There was no significant impact on non-metastatic cervical cancer progression by HIV status among patients in Lusaka, Zambia. The high prevalence of HIV among cervical cancer patients suggest that HIV-positive patients should be a primary target group for HPV vaccinations, screening, and early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Jesus Trejo
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Alick Chuba
- HIV/AIDS Program, University of Zambia University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Eslone Chama
- HIV/AIDS Program, University of Zambia University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Melanie L Bell
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Robin B Harris
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jacobs
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Amr Soliman
- City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Kalima M, Lishimpi K, Meza JL, Watanabe-Galloway S, Msadabwe SC, Mwaba CK, Shibemba AL, Banda L, Wood C, Chamberlain RM, Soliman AS. Observed and expected incidence of cervical cancer in lusaka and the southern and Western provinces of Zambia, 2007 to 2012. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2015; 25:98-105. [PMID: 25423318 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0000000000000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cervical cancer is increasing but underestimated in developing countries. We calculated the observed and expected incidence of cervical cancer in Lusaka and Southern and Western provinces of Zambia. METHODS/MATERIALS Data for 2007 to 2012 were obtained for the 3 provinces. Data included age, residence, year of diagnosis, marital status, occupation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Expected incidence in Southern and Western provinces was calculated based on observed incidence for Lusaka province, adjusting for HIV. RESULTS Crude and age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) in Lusaka were 2 to 4 times higher than incidence in the other 2 provinces. Lusaka had a rate of 54.1 per 10(5) and ASR of 82.1 per 10(5) in the age group of 15 to 49 years. The Southern province had a rate of 17.1 per 10(5) and ASR of 25.5 per 10(5); the Western province had a rate of 12.3 per 10(5) and ASR rate of 17.2 per 10(5). The observed cervical cancer incidence rates in the Southern and Western provinces were lower than the rate in Lusaka, possibly because of the uncertainty of underreporting/underdiagnosis or actual lower risk for reasons yet unclear. The HIV seroprevalence rates in patients from the 3 provinces were 46% to 93% higher than seroprevalence in the respective general populations. CONCLUSIONS Cervical cancer is significantly underestimated in Zambia, and HIV has a significant role in pathogenesis. Future studies should establish methods for case ascertainment and better utilization of hospital- and population-based registries in Zambia and other similar developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulele Kalima
- *Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE; †Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia; ‡Faculty of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia; §Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; ∥Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; and ¶Department of Epidemiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX
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