Can-START (Cancer Staging and timely Referral for early treatment)

The joint goal of the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the Marangu Lutheran Hospital is to improve oncological health care in the Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania.

Background:

The recognition of clinical symptoms and a reliable staging is extremely relevant in the initiation of cancer therapies. Diagnosis by ultrasound supports a safe assessment. Currently, about 80% of cancer diagnoses in the Kilimanjaro Region are made at an advanced stage.

Activities:

• Basic training in clinical oncology for doctors and clinic directors of Marangu Hospital
• Acquisition of an ultrasound scanner for Marangu Hospital
• Ultrasound courses on the staging of tumours
• Weekly virtual tumour conference - Observation of three Tanzanian doctors at UKB

Impact:

By increasing the knowledge of the oncological health staff at Marangu Hospital, patients are diagnosed in the early stages of cancer. As a result, therapies can be initiated more quickly and the chances of survival increase.