NCCN Marks Expanded Cancer Treatment Access in Africa at AORTIC 2025

NCCN Celebrates Expansion of Cancer Treatment Access in Africa at AORTIC 2025

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has marked a significant milestone in the journey towards enhanced cancer care in Africa during the recent AORTIC conference held in Hammamet, Tunisia. The event, which took place on November 4, 2025, spotlighted the pivotal evolution of oncology treatment guidelines tailored for the Sub-Saharan region, a collaborative effort involving the NCCN, the African Cancer Coalition, and the American Cancer Society.

At AORTIC, updates to the NCCN’s guidelines were unveiled, showcasing the progress made in oncology care delivery across Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past few years, proactive partnerships and regional resources have led to the transition from harmonized practice guidelines to the newly adapted NCCN International Guidelines specifically designed for the unique challenges and healthcare landscapes in Africa. This adaptation embodies the substantial strides achieved in expanding access to oncology treatments, as evidenced by the remarkable decrease in the percentage of inaccessible cancer treatment options from 82% in 2017 to 54% in 2024.

The Global Program of the NCCN has been actively collaborating with various organizations including the American Cancer Society and the African Cancer Coalition since 2017, when the NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa were first launched. This pioneering initiative focused on equipping healthcare providers with vital resources based on the world-renowned NCCN Guidelines, employing a color-coded system to illustrate optimal care aspirations alongside pragmatic treatment options suited for resource-limited environments.

By 2019, these harmonized guidelines encompassed comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, detection, treatment, and palliative care of nearly all cancer types prevalent in the region. With advancements in healthcare practices, these resources transitioned to the NCCN International Adaptations, mirroring the guidelines utilized in various other regions around the world. A total of 57 NCCN guidelines currently cater specifically to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, MPH, the director of the NCCN Global Program, emphasized the relentless efforts of health ministries and healthcare providers across Sub-Saharan Africa in enhancing access to cancer care. "This transition to the NCCN Adaptations reflects the significant progress and reaffirms the various avenues through which the region is moving towards higher-quality oncology care for all," she stated during her presentation at AORTIC. This transition underscores the upsurge in accessible imaging techniques, biomarker testing, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy for patients in the region.

Winckworth-Prejsnar further noted, "Many therapies and technologies that were once unattainable are now becoming standard options, thanks to the unwavering commitment from local physicians, governments, and global partners dedicated to improving cancer outcomes throughout Sub-Saharan Africa."

However, she acknowledged that the journey is far from complete, as the NCCN adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa serve as a foundational step towards further enhancing the availability of essential treatments across the region. Healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers can now access these adaptations for free at NCCN.org/adaptations or through the Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines® App. Moreover, additional region-specific resources are available in multiple languages to support healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers alike.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

The NCCN, a nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States, is celebrating 30 years of its commitment to patient care, research, and education. The organization is devoted to defining and promoting high-quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care, enhancing the quality of life for all individuals. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) offer expert, evidence-based recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services, serving as the recognized standard for clinical guidance and policy in cancer management.

For more inquiries, media representatives can contact Rachel Darwin at (267) 622-6624 or via email. Additional media materials and updates are available to further elaborate on this groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment accessibility in Africa.