Disparities in the global availability of cancer treatment and cancer trained providers are profound. Although efforts are ongoing to increase cancer care and training, Very little is known about the cancer capacity in developing countries.Cancer Africa is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the cancer care capacity available in all fifty four countries in the continent. The information gathered will be freely accessible, accurate and unbiased inventory on the local capacity for cancer care in Africa. The aim of this study is to create a baseline for cancer care development planning at a national level.

Data will be sourced in three phases starting with East and Southern Africa, West and Central Africa and Northern Africa. Data for the survey will be collected through the following methods:Physical on site visits, Phone calls, Emailing surveys, Online search engines,Online submission, Contacting local health and cancer associations, Contacting oversight agencies licensing boards ministry of health. Video recordings and photos of the treatment facilities available will also be taken for publication. Results are compiled for education and capacity development discussions with the local government, private, civil society, development and donor health entities.

The data sourced will provide accurate information to cancer stakeholders for example the medical community, cancer patients, specialists associations, policy makers, grant makers, development agencies, donors and the general public on the trends and dynamics of the regions cancer treatment and control framework so as to better inform their decision making. This in turn ensures funding and development efforts are producing the desired results. This data will inform and enhance clinical, research and career development issues facing cancer health care professionals such as oncologists, pathologists, physiatrists and palliative care specialists. It will also facilitate the creation of networks for developing and sharing of innovative strategies for cancer care within acutely resource limited settings and strategize on how to expand cancer care capacity. Examples will include development of local oncology training programs, treatment and research facilities, palliative and end of life programs, effective cancer awareness programs.

Cancer Africa is the lead organization conducting this study. This activity has been influenced by locally developed World Health Organization surveys,the America Medical Association Physician Master file, Association of American Medical Colleges physician supply annual reports, National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Centers and various global cancer patients education and support programs. Cancer Africa contacts and coordinates with local health entities to gather they data for the survey.

Cancer Africa