The World Health Organization targets for cervical cancer control by 2030: a baseline assessment in six African countries-part I.

Aim: We present and analyse the findings of a survey of the readiness of the healthcare systems in Eswatini, Guinea, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia, to implement the necessary measures for attaining the targets for cervical cancer control, set by The World Health Organization (WHO), by the year 2030.

Methods: A questionnaire with 129 questions with preset answer options was completed in 2020, by ministries of health programme coordinators for non-communicable diseases, cancer control and/or reproductive health, and by WHO country offices, in the six countries selected.

Results: The findings on demographics, burden of disease, governance and management, laboratory services, equipment, supplies and medicines, as well as on personnel and training are presented here.

Targeting elimination of cervical cancer by 2030: a baseline assessment in six African countries-part II.

Background: Africa is home to many countries with the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the world. It is encouraging to see that the efforts to prevent and manage this disease are intensifying across the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO) has, in the last years, led a world-wide initiative to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, starting by setting clear targets for 2030.

Increasing Cervical Cancer Incidence in Rural Eastern Cape Province of South Africa From 1998 to 2012: A Population-Based Cancer Registry Study.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate trends in the age-standardized and age-specific incidence rates in two distinct regions (the northern and southern areas) of South Africa covered by a population-based cancer registry. In addition, trends in coverage of the cervical cancer screening program were assessed using routine health service data.

Methods: Occurrences (topography C53.

A better future for children with cancer in Africa: a dream transforming into reality Dr. D Cristina Stefan- AORTIC president.

The WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer launched in 2018 will translate into an additional one million lives saved or a survival rate of at least 60% for children with cancer to be attained by 2030. This new target represents a doubling of the global cure rate for children with cancer. African children with cancer will be amongst the global group which will benefit from an improved cancer care and better outcome.

Worldwide comparison of survival from childhood leukaemia for 1995-2009, by subtype, age, and sex (CONCORD-2): a population-based study of individual data for 89 828 children from 198 registries in 53 countries.

Background: Global inequalities in access to health care are reflected in differences in cancer survival. The CONCORD programme was designed to assess worldwide differences and trends in population-based cancer survival. In this population-based study, we aimed to estimate survival inequalities globally for several subtypes of childhood leukaemia.

Red meat, processed meat and cancer in South Africa.

Epidemiological studies around the world were analysed recently by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, demonstrating a positive correlation between consumption of red meat and processed meat and colorectal cancer. In South Africa (SA) there is a great variation in the incidence of this type of cancer between various ethnic groups, related to diet and other risk factors. Strengthening the SA cancer registry and co-ordinated research on diet and cancer are required to provide specific answers for our population.

Treating childhood cancer in Rwanda: the nephroblastoma example.

Introduction: Wilms tumor (WT) or nephroblastoma is the commonest childhood cancer in Rwanda. Nephroblastoma is regarded as one of the successes of pediatric oncology with long-term survival approaching 90%. The Objectives to evaluate the feasibility of treating childhood cancer using the nephroblastoma example and to calculate its cost of treatment in Rwanda.

Cancer Care in Africa: An Overview of Resources.

Purpose: According to predictions from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, over the next 5 years, the annual number of new cases of cancer in Africa will grow to more than one million. Together with the immense loss in human life, there is a considerable economic setback attached to this number. However, most African nations are far from adequately scaling up their capacity to control cancer.

Effect of HIV infection on the outcome of cancer therapy in children.

Systematic studies comparing the outcomes of cancer treatment between children with and without HIV are scarce. The literature seems to suggest that, even with present therapeutic advances, prognosis is poor with HIV infection. The aim of this Review was to assess scientific publications from 1990 to present, addressing the difficulties associated with treatment of cancer in children with AIDS and the adaptive changes in therapy.

Incidence of childhood cancer in Namibia: the need for registries in Africa.

Introduction: Childhood cancer is rare and comprises only 1% of all cancers. The current incidence of childhood cancer in Namibia, as in many other African countries, is not known. The aim of this research was to assess the paediatric cancer incidence between 2003-2010 at Windhoek Central Hospital, the only pediatric oncology-referring centre in Namibia and to compare with the previous calculated incidence in the country 20 years ago.

Childhood cancer survival rates in two South African units.

Introduction: Childhood cancer is relatively rare, but there is a very good chance of cure. While overall survival rates of >70% are reported from developed countries, survival is much less likely in developing countries and unknown in many countries in Africa.

Objective: To analyse survival rates of childhood cancers in two South African paediatric oncology units.

Burkitt lymphoma: epidemiological features and survival in a South African centre.

Background: The epidemiology of Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) shows that the endemic type is mainly confined to equatorial Africa and has a very close association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), while the sporadic variant shows only a 20% association with EBV and is seen mainly in Europe and North America. An immunodeficent form of BL has been described more recently. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics and survival of children presenting with BL to Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, in South Africa.

Childhood cancer in Africa: an overview of resources.

Background: Information about pediatric oncology in most of Africa is not widely available. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of childhood cancer and resources for patient care in a cross-section of African hospitals.

Methods: Between 2011 and 2013, 49 health professionals involved in the care of children with cancer, from 38 hospitals in 29 African countries, were asked to respond to a questionnaire about the types and number of childhood cancers seen in their facilities; types and numbers of health care professionals; diagnostic, therapeutic, and palliative capabilities; survival statistics and compliance with treatment; support from parent groups; opportunities for ongoing medical training; and perceived challenges to care delivery.

Hodgkin lymphoma in Africa: present and future.

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) was described for the first time in 1832 by Sir Thomas Hodgkin, who is considered the father of the disease. This lymphoma occupies a special place among childhood malignancies, due to its high rate of cure. HL is described as one of the most common haematological malignancies in African children.

Children with cancer and HIV infection: what is different about them?

Background: Children with HIV and cancer show an excess of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leiomyosarcoma when compared with children with malignancy but without HIV. This study aimed at: (1) comparing the distribution of various cancers in South African children with malignancies and HIV versus children with malignancies but without HIV and (2) comparing the outcomes after therapy.

Procedure: This is a retrospective comparative study of 84 black children with cancer and HIV, consecutively admitted at Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Cape Town and Universitas Hospital, Bloemfontein, between 1995 and 2010, compared with 570 HIV-negative black children with malignant diseases, consecutively admitted at the 2 hospitals, between 2002 and 2010.

Developing cancer control plans in Africa: examples from five countries.

The creation and implementation of national cancer control plans is becoming increasingly necessary for countries in Africa, with the number of new cancer cases per year in the continent expected to reach up to 1·5 million by 2020. Examples from South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda describe the state of national cancer control plans and their implementation. Whereas in Rwanda the emphasis is on development of basic facilities needed for cancer care, in those countries with more developed economies, such as South Africa and Nigeria, the political will to fund national cancer control plans is limited, even though the plans exist and are otherwise well conceived.

The South African Paediatric Tumour Registry - 25 years of activity.

The South African Children's Tumour Registry was established 25 years ago as it was essential to collect data on malignant disease in the paediatric population that can be used for statistical research in an efficient and sustainable way. The Registry is a useful and significant repository of specific paediatric data, along with the recently revitalised National Cancer Registry, to serve the needs of the cancer research community.

Delay and causes of delay in the diagnosis of childhood cancer in Africa.

Background: Although a few studies have investigated delays in diagnosis and treatment among children and adolescents with cancer, this has never been subject of study in South Africa. Early diagnosis is fundamental as it allows timely treatment and prevents unnecessary complications.

Procedures: Combined prospective and retrospective study of 194 children with cancer at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, diagnosed between 2000 and 2009: 126 patients were included through review of the medical charts and 68 through interviews with the parents.

Spinal compression due to Burkitt lymphoma in a newly diagnosed HIV-infected child.

We describe a newly diagnosed HIV-infected child, without prior history of AIDS-defining disease, who presented with Burkitt lymphoma-related cauda equina syndrome that rapidly progressed to a flaccid paraplegia. Diagnosis was confirmed on biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed multiple epidural masses with involvement of several vertebral bodies, cord edema and compression of the cord and cauda equina. The child's immune status was relatively preserved and Epstein-Barr serology proved negative.

Adolescents with cancer: how can we meet their specific needs in developing countries?

Cancer occurring in adolescents (10 to 19 years) is more than twice as common as cancer in children but has received less attention in South Africa. In the process of becoming adults, adolescents undergo major physical, psychological, and social changes. They manifest specific behaviors and have special emotional needs.

How much does it cost to treat children with Hodgkin lymphoma in Africa?

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a common B-cell childhood neoplasm and it has a higher incidence in the 0-14 year age group in developing countries compared to developed countries. Treatment achieves a cure rate of about 80%. In African countries with a small gross domestic product per capita the cost of treating HL in children may be prohibitive.