Daniela Cristina Stefan

Cancer Care in Africa: An Overview of Resources

Purpose According to predictions from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, over the next 5 years, the annual number of new cases of cancer in Africa will grow to more than one million. Together with the immense loss in human life, there is a considerable economic setback attached to this number. However, most African nations are far from adequately scaling up their capacity to control cancer. Methods This study reviews the published data on the existing cancer control resources in Africa. It is, to our knowledge, the first combined effort looking at all resources available on the continent regarding cancer care. Results The total number of 102 cancer treatment centers, including general oncology centers, gynecologic oncology or other single-organ malignancy units, and pediatric oncology and palliative care establishments, is not sufficient to cover the increasing needs of the African population affected by cancer. In addition, the continental average total health expenditure per capita amounts to only US

The Mwanza Cancer Project

82. Conclusion This review could serve as a starting point for devising realistic solutions meant to improve the prevention and management of malignant disease on the African continent.

General Principles of Cancer Chemotherapy

In Africa, the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly and efforts to establish minimum services for the prevention and treatment of the disease still meet with enormous difficulties. The basic components of cancer control are especially inadequate in sub-Saharan Africa, where survival remains lower than in all other low-income countries. The main challenges stem from the scarcity or absence of cancer control programmes, qualified staff, diagnostic and treatment capacity, cancer care funding, and political commitment. Policies devised to overcome these problems include capacity building in health planning, provision of technical and fi nancial support to create sustainable national cancer control programmes, promotion of horizontal integration of cancer control programmes with other health services, establishment of regional referral centres, creation of telemedicine infrastructures, support of drug donation initiatives world wide, and establishment of international partnerships between national govern ments, non-governmental organisations, foundations, higher education institutions, associations of health-care professionals, and industry. In the past few years, these principles have been integrated into comprehensive strategic plans designed

Red meat, processed meat and cancer in South Africa.

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: Describe the cell cycle and basic concepts regarding tumor growth Name the different classes of chemotherapeutic agents Understand the mechanisms of action of the chemotherapeutic agents used most often in the treatment of childhood cancer Discuss the requirements and precautions for the safe administration of chemotherapy Discuss the toxicity of chemotherapy and the preventive measures that should be taken

Why is cancer not a priority in South Africa

Epidemiological studies around the world were analysed recently by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, demonstrating a positive correlation between consumption of red meat and processed meat and colorectal cancer. In South Africa (SA) there is a great variation in the incidence of this type of cancer between various ethnic groups, related to diet and other risk factors. Strengthening the SA cancer registry and co-ordinated research on diet and cancer are required to provide specific answers for our population.

Confession of a Pediatric Oncologist

Cancer is in the second position on the list of causes of death in South Africa after adding all cancers together. It is expected that cancer will lead the list in the near future. A co-ordinated effort, including a fully functional National Cancer Registry, a National Cancer Control Plan and a new cancer research approach, is required in order to reduce the burden of cancer.

Nursing Care Principles in Pediatric Oncology

Sadly, that was themorning when I had to admit to myself, as a young doctor, that the science of medicine had failed us in the struggle to cure children with cancer. It was the same morning, without any clouds and with a bright shining sun, when I had to sit and explain to a child whowas old enough to understand that we had reached the end of the road for her. We had reached the end of the road for hope, for smiles, and for the future. Those who knowmemay remember that I am not someone togiveuphopeeasily or to acceptdefeat.

Developing Support Network in Africa

To understand the role of nurses in the pediatric oncology ward. To understand the role of the nurse educator in the pediatric oncology nursing team. To understand the role of the nurse in providing information and care in pediatric oncology.

Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors

To understand the importance of developing a network in dealing with childhood cancer in Africa. To know the basic principles of a successful twinning program between 2 centres.

Rare Childhood Cancers

To learn about the clinical presentation of the main malignancies of soft tissues in children and in particular the rhabdomyosarcoma. To be able to diagnose the tumors of soft tissues. To know the prognosis of malignancies of soft tissue. To learn about the principles of the treatment of soft tissue tumors and in particular of rhabdomyosarcoma.