Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: key research and action gaps.

Abstract

We welcome the comprehensive Commission on cancer control in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), by Wilfred Ngwa and colleagues, 1 Ngwa W Addai BW Adewole I et al. Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncol. 2022; (published online May 9.)https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00720-8 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (5) Google Scholar and its action-oriented recommendations. We agree with the authors' recommendations to build upon innovative practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as increased use of telehealth and to develop information technology systems that promote interoperability of health data and support strong cancer surveillance to underpin national cancer control planning efforts. In this Comment, we outline some areas that have received less attention in the Commission and merit further discussion and follow-up. Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology CommissionIn sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Full-Text PDF