About 1,200 children under the age of 15 in Ghana develop cancer annually, with a survival rate of less than fifty percent on the African continent.
This alarming statistic is attributed to limited expertise and equipment, which contributes to the inequality in child cancer care in Ghana.
In response to this urgent need, World Child Cancer is emphasizing the importance of early and accurate detection by enhancing the proficiency and expertise of radiologists in interpreting medical images. This initiative aims to improve the survival rate of child cancer cases, which currently peaks at over 70 percent in developed continents.
Dr. Obed Kojo Otoo, a senior specialist radiologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, highlighted the challenges in treating cancer, particularly child cancer, due to the lack of adequate equipment and expertise among radiographers and radiologists. This limitation hinders the information provided to clinicians for better detection and treatment.
To address this gap, World Child Cancer is collaborating with the Radiology Departments in Korle Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals to provide a professional training program for healthcare professionals across the country. This program recruits experienced radiologists, radiologic technologists, and other healthcare professionals to serve as instructors and mentors, equipping them with the necessary skills to perform radiologic procedures and interpret imaging studies effectively.
Adwoa Pinamang Boateng Desu, the Country Director for World Child Cancer in Ghana, emphasized the importance of early and accurate diagnosis in childhood cancer care and management. The training program will provide participants with real-world experience in performing and interpreting radiologic examinations, improving their ability to communicate findings effectively to the healthcare team.
The new knowledge acquired through the training will enable radiologists to recognize common signs and symptoms of pediatric cancers in radiological imaging and understand specific imaging techniques and protocols used in pediatric oncology. This will ultimately enhance the quality of reports provided to clinicians for more effective treatment.
The training program will play a crucial role in equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose childhood cancer early and promptly, ultimately saving more lives.
