#NCCN #Cancer Care #Tunisia #AORTIC #Hammamet

NCCN Amplifies Access to Cancer Treatment in Africa

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has made significant strides in improving cancer treatment accessibility in Sub-Saharan Africa as showcased during the 2025 AORTIC conference held in Hammamet, Tunisia. This pivotal gathering saw the collaboration of the NCCN, the African Cancer Coalition, and the American Cancer Society. They presented how cancer treatment guidelines have evolved in the region, moving towards enhanced clinical practices.

Meeting Highlights

This year’s AORTIC meeting provided a platform for discussions centered on the evolution of treatment options available in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a focus on the transition from harmonized clinical practice guidelines to the new NCCN International Adaptations specific to the region, attendees were able to witness firsthand the progress made in cancer care delivery. Grappling with historical challenges, the collaborative efforts have managed to showcase how accessibility has markedly improved through engaged partnerships.

The statistics shared during the conference are quite striking. From 2017 to 2024, the proportion of inaccessible cancer treatment options in Sub-Saharan Africa plummeted from 82% to 54%. This remarkable progress underscores not only the advancements made in healthcare delivery but also the dedication from local providers committed to improving oncology resources across the region.

Progress Through Collaboration

Since 2017, the NCCN Global Program, alongside the American Cancer Society and the African Cancer Coalition, has been working diligently to develop and perfect the NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ for Sub-Saharan Africa. These resources initially represented clinical standards to aid low- and middle-resource countries. They provide pragmatic, evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving care for various cancer types faced by patients in the region. By 2019, these guidelines evolved to encompass a comprehensive set of recommendations for prevention, detection, treatment, and supportive care across all cancer types relevant to the region.

As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, the NCCN is proud to present the NCCN International Adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa. These guidelines serve as a testament to the maturing clinical practices tailored to meet the needs of local populations. Currently, the NCCN has released 57 such guidelines emphasizing cancer care's greater accessibility in the region, cementing a solid foundation for future advancements.

Voices of Change

Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, MPH, Global Program Director at NCCN, expressed her enthusiasm for the progress made, stating, “Health ministries and care providers across Sub-Saharan Africa have worked tirelessly to expand access, build capacity, and implement evidence-based care.” She also highlighted that many therapies and technologies previously considered unattainable are slowly but steadily becoming standard treatment options, a transformative step that has not gone unnoticed.

Moreover, the conference outlined the need for continued work in this area. Winckworth-Prejsnar noted, “The NCCN Adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to broaden access to essential treatments throughout the region.”

Looking to the Future

Despite the positive strides, the journey is far from complete. As the healthcare frameworks within Sub-Saharan Africa continue to adapt, the NCCN encourages healthcare providers, policymakers, and medical professionals to embrace these new guidelines. Access to the NCCN Adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa is available free of charge at their official website, where various resources are also provided for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

As the oncology community looks forward, the commitment to enhancing cancer care quality remains unyielding. With continued investment in infrastructure, funding, and clinical education, both local and international partners hold the key to unlocking even greater advances in cancer treatment accessibility for those in need.

For more information regarding NCCN's ongoing work and access to these life-changing resources, visit NCCN.org/global.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has been a champion of quality cancer care for 30 years, promoting evidence-based guidelines designed to advance treatment options worldwide. Its ongoing missions are pivotal to improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable care is at the forefront of global health initiatives.