Resource-limited guidelines for cancer care

Abstract

Background: Guidelines have been shown to improve cancer care by standardizing care. In resource-
limited settings where there is a consistent increase in disease burden, we need to use finite resources

well to ensure adequate care is provided nationwide. In 2016, the African Cancer Coalition was
established as a regional collaboration to develop comprehensive standard cancer treatment guidelines
tailored to sub–Saharan Africa. Cancer experts from African countries collaborated with the National
Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society through a series of
organized meetings to harmonize cancer treatment guidelines. To date, all gynecologic malignancies
have been reviewed and updated on the website.
These resource-stratified guidelines are not intended to lower the bar for cancer care in resource-limited
settings, but to use resources adequately in already constrained settings.
Objectives
1. Educate members on how to use the harmonized guidelines.
2. Use of the guidelines as an educational tool for gynecologic oncology fellowship programs in Kenya.
3. Access the wider obstetric and gynecology fraternity to ensure appropriate use of finite resources and
to avoid multiple tests before referring patients for care by the gynecologic oncologist.
4. Compare the harmonized guidelines to the Kenya national guidelines.