Prostate cancer management workshop attendees with visiting ASCO lecturers
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Rwanda and is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the country. Despite its annual cancer incidence of 7,122, there are fewer than 70 oncology healthcare professionals practicing in Rwanda. To optimize interdisciplinary communication and maximize the efficiency of Rwanda’s oncology workforce, BVGH partnered with Rwanda Cancer Relief, the Rwanda Biomedical Center, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to conduct a three-day Multidisciplinary Management of Prostate Cancer workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.
During the workshop, ASCO trainers (Dr. Simon Hughes, Dr. Alison Tree, and Dr. Zipporah Ali) and local faculty reviewed case studies, delivered lectures, and held Q&A sessions on topics integral to prostate cancer care ranging from diagnosis and staging, treatment and management, palliative care, and cancer research. Forty-four participants from Rwanda’s five tertiary hospitals were in attendance, including oncologists, urologists, radiologists, pathologists, and medical students. The workshop concluded with attendees sharing the changes that they intend to make to their practice – notably the promotion of palliative care and communicating with other specialists during patient management.
“I learned that palliative care does not start with metastatic cancer, but is a practice to consider from the first day of a patient’s diagnosis and throughout his treatment. This includes psycho-social support, counseling both for the patient and the family member, and most importantly the patient’s pain management.”
– Workshop attendee
Program supported by Amgen