Miriam Mutebi: Cancer surgery – a cornerstone in the fight against cancer

Miriam Mutebi shared on LinkedIIn:

“Cancer surgery remains a cornerstone in the fight against cancer, often serving as the first line of treatment and, in many cases, the most effective way to remove tumors.

However, access to skilled surgical care across Africa is uneven, with significant disparities in training, resources, and multidisciplinary support. Globally, 9 out of 10 people lack access to safe, timely, and affordable surgery. What many don’t realize is that over 80% of all cancer patients will require a surgical procedure, and over a third, will need multiple procedures.

Surgery serves multiple purposes, from diagnostic and therapeutic to curative, supportive, and rehabilitative care, including procedures that enhance quality of life.

AORTIC- Africa is committed to advancing cancer surgery through initiatives that harmonize surgical training across the continent. We understand that effectively combating cancer requires surgeons to be technically skilled and capable of working within a multidisciplinary framework.

This involves integrating efforts with oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to ensure that each patient’s treatment plan is comprehensive and tailored to their specific needs.

Our focus on cancer surgery includes enhancing the skills of general surgeons, who often perform the bulk of cancer-related procedures, particularly in areas with a shortage of specialized surgical oncologists. By upskilling these professionals and embedding them within a multidisciplinary team, we can improve outcomes and provide more patients with the life-saving care they need.

Our efforts are supported by local teams such as the Surgical Society of Kenya and the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons (PAWAS).

AORTIC is also working with the West African College of Surgeons and Queen’s University to support the development of surgical oncology curricula and collaborating with the Society of Surgical Oncology to broaden our impact in training and building the surgical oncology workforce.

Our ongoing efforts to support cancer surgeons include professional symposia, targeted training programs, and partnerships with leading institutions, to ensure that African surgeons are equipped, with the knowledge and skills to deliver world-class care.

Cancer surgery is more than a procedure; it’s a critical component of a larger, patient-centered care strategy that requires coordination, communication, and continuous learning.

As we continue our 54 Days of Cancer Advocacy, let’s emphasize the importance of surgical excellence in achieving better cancer outcomes across Africa.”

Source: Miriam Mutebi/LinkedIn

Miriam Mutebi is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is also the Vice-President of East Africa of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), treasurer for the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) and on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

She is the co-founder of the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons and is part of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons.

She is an avid supporter for the education and support for women, especially in surgery and she aims to provide mentorship for women in surgery and to improve women’s health and surgical care in Africa. She is currently pursuing a pilot’s license in order to extend breast care services to marginalized areas.