Perspectives on surgical oncology in Africa

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2019.09.003Get rights and content

Section snippets

A historical perspective

Global Health is an important issue for strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage. As part of this effort, cancer care is quickly becoming one of the key components.

Many regions of Africa in 2019 are like the United States in the year 1900. At that time, the average life expectancy in the US was 49 years, the most common cause of death was infectious disease and trauma, and the annual income was $450. In 2019, the average life expectancy is 78.6 years, the most common

Current challenges

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery reported that of the 15.2 million new cases of cancer detected in the world in 2015, 80% would be expected to need surgery, some several surgeries. By 2030, this Commission estimated that 45 million surgical procedures would be needed for cancer, worldwide. Yet, less than 25% of the patients in the world with cancer get safe, affordable, or timely surgery [4].

In 2010, a survey initiated by the WHO [9] in the African region found that of 46 respondent

Future perspective

Cancer within Africa presents the biggest challenge due to expanding population growth and life expectancy, which is increasing in many countries as cases of AIDS decline. Despite increases in life expectancy, the current situation regarding cancer on the other hand remains quite deplorable. Many patients do not seek medical advice and those who do, do it when the cancer is at an advanced stage when cure is no longer possible. It is bad to have cancer and worse to have cancer if you are poor.

Conclusion

With the increase in the number of cancer cases in LMICs, most African countries at this stage need dedicated facilities to treat patients with cancer. It is important to remember that surgery plays a big role in this, and that it requires basic skills and knowledge of cancer surgical care through a good multidisciplinary approach. Information campaigns and educational programs to wipe out stigma and misinformation must be conceived and disseminated. The emphasis should be on improving

References (18)

  • J.G. Meara et al.

    Global Surgery 2030: evidence and solutions for achieving health, welfare, and economic development

    Lancet

    (2015)
  • D.C. Stefan et al.

    Developing cancer control plans in Africa: examples from five countries

    Lancet Oncol

    (2013)
  • World Health Organization

    The global burden of disease: 2004 update

    (2008)
  • World Health Organization

    Cancer key facts

    (Sept 12. 2018)
  • J.S.H. Ferlay et al.

    GLOBOCAN 2008, cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: IARC cancer base No. 10

    (2010)
  • P.E. Farmer et al.

    Surgery and global health: a view from beyond the OR

    World J Surg

    (2008)
  • S. Kachroo et al.

    Decreasing the cancer burden in developing countries: concerns and recommendations

    Eur J Cancer Care

    (2009)
  • The health consequences of smoking—50 Years of progress: a report of the surgeon general

    (2014)
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

    Results from the 2016 national survey on drug use and health: detailed tables. Pdf icon[PDF–56.2 KB]external icon rockville, MD: substance abuse and mental health services administration

    (2014)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.
View full text