International Oncology Conference in Kenya Focuses on Enhancing Cancer Care Across Sub-Saharan Africa
In an important initiative aimed at addressing the escalating cancer crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the African Cancer Coalition (ACC) convened at the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Global Academy Regional Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 9 to June 11, 2025. This three-day event is crucial for updating and adapting the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology to better serve the unique needs of this region.
The workshop not only provides a platform for oncology specialists to share insights but also emphasizes the significance of improving cancer care infrastructures across Sub-Saharan Africa. According to Dr. Anu Agrawal, Vice President of Global Cancer Support at the American Cancer Society, the workshops are designed to encourage effective collaboration and discourse among healthcare providers, fostering a community focused on elevating the standards of cancer treatment.
The NCCN Guidelines represent a comprehensive set of evidence-based recommendations that guide cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care. With a user base extending beyond the United States, the guidelines aim to reach over two million registered users, securing a significant global influence. Many of these users are in different parts of the world, underscoring the importance of localized adaptations to the original recommendations made.
The meeting will specifically update the NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for a variety of cancers prevalent in the Sub-Saharan region, including anal, cervical, and colorectal cancers, among others. It is essential to ensure that healthcare providers have access to the most current and applicable guidelines that reflect the realities and challenges encountered on the ground.
Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, reinforced the organization’s ongoing commitment to work hand in hand with regional experts to create guidelines that are not only aspirational but also pragmatic. This collaboration aims to improve cancer care resources in a region where cancer rates are rising alarmingly. The latest updates are crucial to reflect recent research findings and local constraints, ensuring that health care remains both effective and relevant.
Among the notable participants in this collaborative effort are seasoned leaders in oncology, such as Dr. Nadeem R. Abu-Rustum from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dr. Al Benson from Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Their expertise will guide the refinement of treatment recommendations to fit the localized contexts of the cancer care landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa.
As this critical initiative unfolds in Nairobi, the hope is that it will lead to improved patient outcomes and greater access to quality cancer care throughout the region. By focusing on guidelines tailored to specific needs, this gathering set the stage for fostering better treatment frameworks and support structures essential for managing cancer responsibly across Sub-Saharan Africa.
To discover more about the ongoing efforts to improve global cancer treatment and the resources available to healthcare providers, interested parties are encouraged to visit the NCCN's global program website. The NCCN is dedicated to promoting quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care worldwide, thus ensuring that all individuals can lead healthier lives in the face of cancer.