Abstract
In high-income countries, it would be inconceivable to treat a tumour when its pathology is unknown. However, this can be the case among patients in sub-Saharan Africa. The absence of pathologists and the resultant delays in reporting contribute to patients being treated before the nature of the lesion is known. This is compounded by the frequent absence of auxiliary tests to better define tumour characteristics.
Highlights
Pathology is crucial for the diagnosis and management of any cancer
Microbiology is vital in managing infections in immune-suppressed cancer patients, while blood transfusion is necessary in many patients with haematological and other cancers
Anatomic, pathology is most closely identified with diagnosis and management of cancer, this short chapter will focus on the situation of cell/anatomic pathology in sub Saharan Africa
Summary
Pathology is crucial for the diagnosis and management of any cancer. Hard data are few and far between, but there are two main issues: insufficient access and variable standards. Poor access results from a complex of problems: insufficient workforce, poor infrastructure, relative absence of integrated networks of laboratories and inadequate financing.
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