Delivering Safe and Affordable Cancer Surgical Care

Abstract

Cancer is a growing health burden in Africa; the annual number of new cases will grow to more than 1 million. Together with the immense loss in human life, there is a considerable economic setback. The scale of the problem is enormous and seemingly insurmountable. Despite successful surgical treatment, there is a high disability and mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa due to the lack of affordable and available surgery. There are many challenges; lack of medical services and personnel, lack of access, and socio-cultural beliefs. The disparity in cancer risks combined with poor access to epidemiological data, research, treatment, and cancer control and prevention result in significantly poorer survival rates in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim should be co-operative development of a range of facilities, education and ease of access. Surgery remains at the centre of cancer management. The focus of African governments and the international community should be recognition of surgical care as an essential component of global cancer control.