Mission
To ensure early detection and unimpeded access
to quality care throughout the continuum of life
for children affected by cancer, including holistic
support for their families and to promote high
standards of professional practice by the
multidisciplinary teams involved in their
management.
Other Information
The Childhood Cancer Society of Ghana, CCSG is a
professional community of multi-disciplinary
experts involved in the detection, diagnosis,
treatment, clinical research, and rehabilitation of
children, adolescents and young adults with
cancer and supporting their families.
Membership of this Society in Ghana comprises
various medical specialties including, but not
limited to, paediatric oncologists, paediatric
oncology nurse specialists, paediatric oncology
pharmacists, paediatric and other subspecialty
surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists,
pathologists, haematologists, and their
postgraduate fellows in training among others.
Membership also includes non - health
professionals who are committed to seeing
progress in the care of childhood cancer patients
and their guardians in Ghana.
The Society aims primarily to improve survival and
quality of life for children,adolescents and young
adults with cancer in Ghana through the
development and adaptation of current evidence-
based diagnostic and treatment guidelines;
continuous medical education; and policy and
community advocacy, involving all relevant
stakeholders at the national level.
Objectives
- To improve awareness of childhood cancers in Ghana
- To promote scientific and educational activities and continuing professional development in paediatric oncology in Ghana through:
- The organization of educational meetings, workshops and conferences.
- The development of a professional website and other appropriate social media platforms for the dissemination of information.
- To standardize and harmonize the use of treatment protocols for childhood cancers in Ghana
- To advocate for improved care and welfare of affected children and their families.
- To encourage the establishment of support groups, including parents, survivors etc.
- To promote scientific relations with similar societies or associations within and outside Ghana.
- To work with governmental, non-governmental and international agencies to promote nation-wide, quality health care for children with cancers.
- To maintain the bonds of friendship between members and to foster such bonds with all people working in the multi-disciplinary team of paediatric oncology.
- To undertake any other lawful activity that will further the mission of the Society.
Executive Members of Childhood Cancer Society of Ghana (Sept 2021)
President - Prof. Lorna Awo Renner
1st Vice-President - Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu
2nd Vice-President - Dr Nimako-Boateng
Secretary - Dr Ella Amoako
Assistant Secretary - Dr Nihad Salifu
Treasurer - Dr Yvonne Addo
Executive member - Nurse Comfort Asoogo
History
Childhood Cancers in Ghana - the Story so far
Effective public health strategies reducing under-5 mortality from infectious diseases (Ghana 127/1000 in 1990 to 46/1000 in 2019)
Non-communicable diseases in childhood including cancer assuming more importance in LMICs
Global incidence – about 140/million children under 15.
400,000 cases annually in children under 19 years with 80 percent in low and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Deaths about 80,000 annually with 90% in LMICs.
The Beginnings of Paediatric Oncology in Ghana
In Ghana started in 1965 - Burkitt Tumor project an NIH funded project for 30 years.
Prof Francis Nkrumah and Prof Janet Neequaye among the pioneers.
Free diagnostics, drug treatment, transportation, accommodation.
Built capacity in histopathology diagnosis - 24 hr turnover.
Prof Francis Nkrumah
Prof Janet Neequaye
Project funding ended in 1994.
Other support – Canadian Terry Fox run.
By Dec 2008 – Burkitt - 1,700 children treated at
KBTH with about 50% documented well last seen.
Typical Burkitt and 4 weeks later
Changing pattern of types of childhood cancer (percentages)KBTH (1992 - 2020) & KATH (2012 - 2020)
Status of Paed Onc service - January 2024
Estimated for population over 30million, using rate of between 80 – 120/million under 15,
expect between 1,000 to 1,400 children under 15 years of age to be affected annually.
Three comprehensive Paediatric Oncology Units supported by World Child Cancer.
- Accra - 220 per year.
- Kumasi – 100 – 130 per year.
- Greater Accra Regional Hospital
- Five shared care centres – Tamale, Cape Coast, Techiman, Ho, Kumasi South
7 trained Paediatric Oncologists.
3 dedicated Pharmacists for Paed Onc.
30 nurses specialized in Paed Oncology
3 child life specialists
Shared Care Centres
Tamale Teaching Hospital
Cape Coast Teaching Hospital
Techiman Holy Family Hospital
Ho Teaching Hospital
Agogo Presbyterian Hospital
Kumasi South Hospital
