Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma
Published on: October 14, 2016
Childhood cancer in Africa: an overview of resources
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Pediatric cancer care in Africa varies significantly, with limited resources and specialized professionals. This study highlights common childhood cancers and challenges to improve treatment across African hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Global Health
- Cancer Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on pediatric oncology across Africa.
- Understanding current resources is crucial for improving care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of childhood cancer.
- To assess patient care resources in African hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 49 health professionals from 38 hospitals in 29 African countries (2011-2013).
- Collected data on cancer types, patient numbers, healthcare professionals, and care capabilities.
- Investigated diagnostic, therapeutic, palliative, and training resources.
Main Results:
- Nephroblastoma, leukemia, retinoblastoma, and Burkitt lymphoma were most common.
- Care often provided by non-pediatric oncologists.
- Radiotherapy (21/38), palliation (27/38), and tumor registries (21/38) availability varied.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in pediatric cancer care capabilities.
- Recommendations for enhancing care delivery are discussed.
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.
Results:
New diagnoses annually ranged from 10 to 350, with nephroblastoma, leukemia, retinoblastoma, and Burkitt lymphoma being the most common in most centers. Care was provided often by nonpediatric oncologists. Radiotherapy was available in 21/38 hospitals, palliation in 27/38, and tumor registries in 21/38 centers.
Conclusions:
Capabilities for care of children with cancer varied widely. Recommendations for improving care are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
02:12What is Cancer?
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
02:12What is Cancer?
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...