The Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (Kesho) says there are only 45
oncologists in the country against a population of 50 million, and even if one was to be taken to every county, two counties would still lack a specialist given the soaring number of cancer patients.
The International Development and Education Award (IDEA) is a highly competitive award which provides support for early-career
oncologists in low- and middle-income countries and facilitates the sharing of knowledge between these
oncologists and ASCO members.
Spreading the reach of the standards of care, starting with a consultation with a medical
oncologist, would have a big impact," said, the author of the study, Dr Natalie Coburn.
A recently prepared report by four senior (serving) doctors has presented shocking figures in respect of availability of
oncologists, diagnostic and other facilities for the cancer patients in the government sector hospitals of the largest province.
At the Stephenson Cancer Center, Claros works with a multidisciplinary team of breast experts, including breast medical
oncologists, radiation
oncologists specialized in breast cancer, plastic surgeons and supportive care specialists.
In the economic hub of Johannesburg, cancer care staff numbers are falling, while the eastern province of Mpumalanga has no
oncologist at all, Abratt said.
As cancer treatment becomes more complex,
oncologists are discovering that it helps to have a dermatologist on hand who can recognize and manage these problems and decide whether treatment needs to be stopped.
In the present study, we surveyed expert physicians involved in the treatment of prostate cancer, including urologists, radiation
oncologists, and medical
oncologists, regarding the decisions regarding prostate cancer screening and treatment that they make for themselves.
Every
oncologist recognises the eagerness of patients to access immunotherapy, the latest class of anticancer therapy to make their mark.
I told my
oncologist about this and repeatedly asked him to perform puncture to drain the excess liquid that had seriously reduced my mobility and autonomy.
Only two doctors applied for the senior
oncologist job after what protesters claim was an "ineffectual" advertising campaign which did not look abroad.
As
oncologists manage cancer patients, they also have to consider how each treatment affects other areas of a person's health.