Abstract
<strong>Purpose:</strong> To describe the methodology and initial experience behind creation of an ultrasoundguided percutaneous breast core biopsy program in rural Uganda. <strong>Methods and Materials:</strong> Imaging the World Africa (ITWA) is the registered non-governmental organization division of Imaging the World (ITW), a not-for-profit organization whose primary aim is the integration of affordable high-quality ultrasound into rural health centers. In 2013, ITWA began the pilot phase of an IRB-approved breast care protocol at a rural health center in Uganda. As part of the protocol’s diagnostic arm, an ultrasound-guided percutaneous breast core biopsy training curriculum was implemented in tandem with creation of regionally supplied biopsy kits. <strong>Results</strong>: A surgeon at a rural regional referral hospital was successfully trained and certified to perform ultrasound-guided percutaneous breast core biopsies. Affordable and safe biopsy kits were created using locally available medical supplies with the cost of each kit totaling $10.62 USD. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Successful implementation of an ultrasound-guided percutaneous breast core biopsy program in the resource-limited setting is possible and can be made sustainable through incorporation of local health care personnel and regionally supplied biopsy materials. Our hope is that ITWA’s initial experience in rural Uganda can serve as a model for similar programs in the future.
Highlights
BREAST cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and is the most frequent cause of cancer-related death in women in low-income countries [1]
Imaging the World Africa (ITWA) is the registered non-governmental organization division of Imaging the World (ITW), a not-for-profit organization whose primary aim is the integration of affordable high-quality ultrasound into rural health centers
The objective of this paper is to describe the methodology and initial experience behind creation of an ultrasoundguided breast biopsy program in rural Uganda
Summary
BREAST cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and is the most frequent cause of cancer-related death in women in low-income countries [1]. Ugandan women are developing cancer at an earlier age and presenting at a later stage than those in higher-income countries such as the United States, a pattern recognized among black women in other sub-Saharan countries [6,7]. Fewer than 20% of Ugandans with breast cancer are diagnosed at an early stage (I & II) while more than 80% are diagnosed at a late stage (III & IV) [8]. Diagnosis is imperative as those who are diagnosed at an early stage have better options for treatment and potential cure than those who present with late stage disease
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