Ft. Washington Nonprofit Fighting Cancer In Sub-Saharan Africa

FORT WASHINGTON, PA — Less than 10 percent of people with cancer in sub-Saharan Africa have access to to pain relief or the most basic of cancer treatments, and a Fort Washington nonprofit is making strides to change that.

The locally based National Comprehensive Cancer Network is working with international organizations to implement a new set of care guidelines to fight the disease.

“There are unique challenges for patients with cancer in this part of the world, but also many reasons to be hopeful,” Robert W. Carlson, MD and chief executive officer of NCCN said in a statement. “The endless creativity, compassion, and know-how of the oncologists in the African Cancer Coalition is inspiring. By working together across the global community, we can make tremendous strides to address the rising mortality and poor early detection rates.”

NCCN is working with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the American Cancer Society, and the African Cancer Coalition on care in the region.

The new guidelines establish two tiers of treatment options for common cancers, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, along with leukemia, lymphoma, and related diseases. Each tier has specific recommendations depending on the area and access to resources like radiation equipment or surgical implements.

“This extraordinary collaboration between African oncology experts and NCCN will make it easier for oncologists to access up-to-date clinical guidance and ensure the highest standard of care for their patients,” Meg O’Brien, PhD, managing director of Global Cancer Treatment at the American Cancer Society, said in a statement. “The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines empower patients and providers to focus on what is practical, achievable, and effective at present, while providing a template for future improvements and advances.”

According to the organization, cancer rates are steadily increasing across the continent as life expectancy increases. Nonprofit leaders are hopeful the new guidelines will better organize and improve care.

Patch file photo