Challenges associated with living with haematological malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The incidence of haematological malignancies is growing in sub–Saharan Africa. It currently account for about 10% of all cancers diagnosed in region. The management of these malignancies in the region is not as optimized as in most developed economies. There are several challenges associated with the effective management of these malignancies in the region; population-based cancer registries in the region is underdeveloped, suboptimal research on these malignancies, challenges with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, suboptimal professional human and infrastructural endowment. Patients with these malignancies face several challenges, lack of optimum and safe blood transfusion support, huge cost of chemotherapeutic remedies including radiotherapy and iron chelation agents and lack of laboratory investigation for monitoring response to treatment. Success and management of haematological malignancies in Sub-Saharan Africa, need the collaboration of the entire cancer community, medical experts, teamwork, and advocacy.