COMPREHENSIVE CANCER

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN GHANA

Why Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence in Ghana?

Cancer has emerged as a significant public health challenge in Ghana, necessitating the establishment of a Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (CCCoE) to address the growing burden of the disease. This executive summary outlines the key components and strategic considerations for developing such a center, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to cancer care, prevention, awareness creation, diagnostics, treatment, research, training, education, telemedicine, palliative care and rehabilitation including survivorship.

Ghana, like many other developing nations, faces a rising incidence of cancer, placing a strain on existing healthcare infrastructure. The lack of a dedicated facility for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, training and research exacerbates the challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals. Establishing a CCCOE is a crucial step in enhancing the capacity to combat cancer and improving overall health outcomes.

The Objectives

The primary objectives of the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence in Ghana include:

  1. Integrated Patient Care: Provide a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care.
  2. Research and Innovation: Conduct cutting-edge research to understand the unique aspects of cancer in the Ghanaian and African population and contribute to global cancer knowledge.
  3. Education and Training: Develop programs to train healthcare professionals in the latest cancer care techniques and raise public awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.

Key Components

  1. Clinical Services: State-of-the-art facilities for cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, ensuring comprehensive and personalized patient care including palliative care.
  2. Research Wing: Dedicated state of the art laboratories and artificial intelligence infrastructure for cancer research, fostering collaboration with local and international research institutions.
  3. Education Center: Training facilities for healthcare professionals, including physicians, medical physicists, nurses, psychologists and researchers, and other specialized supporting staff to enhance their expertise in cancer care. Create next generation of global leaders in science, technology and medicine.
  4. Community Outreach: Initiatives aimed at raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, reducing the stigma associated with the disease, thereby reducing the usual late-stage presentations.

Strategic Considerations

Several strategic considerations must be taken into account for the successful development of the CCCOE:

    1. Local Leadership/Commitment: Peace and Love Hospital (PLH) and Breast Care International is contributing 52 acres in the Ashanti region (Kwaso, Ejisu) to this project. The new facility will be constructed at this location. A topographical survey has already been conducted on the land. Groundbreaking planned for Autum ’24.
    2. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with both public and private sectors to ensure sustainable funding and resource mobilization.
    3. International Collaboration: Foster partnerships with global cancer centers and research institutions to leverage expertise, technology, and knowledge transfer.
    4. Technology Integration: Implement advanced technologies for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, ensuring the CCCOE remains at the forefront of medical innovation.
    5. Capacity Building: Invest in training and capacity building for local healthcare professionals to enhance their skills in cancer care.

Key Outcomes

Several action items contribute to the CCCOE:

    1. Asantehene (Otumfou Osei Tutu II) pledged support for fundraising for the CCCOE, when Professors from UPenn and the Ghana team (GHC) visited him to officially introduce the project to him.
    2. Partnerships with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, Peace and Love Hospitals, Sweden Ghana Medical Centre Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and the other teaching hospitals in Ghana and West Africa, especially in training and research (i.e. Global Medical Physics Training and Development Program)
    3. Ghana Faculty Seminar Series @ UPenn (Spring ’24).
    4. Developing clinical trials for hypofractionation for cervical/breast cancer in the short term and other disease sites in the long run.
    5. Establishing an AI Center of Excellence in Ghana for the West Africa subregion.

Conclusion

The establishment of a Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence in Ghana is a vital step toward addressing the increasing burden of cancer in Ghana and African continent. By integrating patient care, research, education, and community outreach, the CCCOE will play a pivotal role in improving cancer outcomes and contributing to the global fight against this pervasive disease. This initiative requires strategic partnerships, sustained funding, and a commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery and research. The successful implementation of the CCCOE will not only benefit the people of Ghana and West Africa, but also contribute to the broader advancement of cancer care on the African continent. The Center will also be the hub for medical tourism and stop the movement of cancer patients from Africa to other continents for treatment.

This project is very timely, and demand driven. We therefore entreat All of you to help make this dream come true. Please be a part of this history!!!