Aims and Objectives
- To provide coherent advice, counsel and co-ordinate research planning that relates to prevention, early detection and cure of cancer;
- To support the management and funding of training programs in oncology with member institutions and elsewhere;
- To organize symposia, workshops, meetings and conferences in keeping with its objectives;
- To assist in the formation of cancer research programs that are relevant in Africa;
- To facilitate international collaboration in cancer research;
- To arrange or sponsor periodic lectures by distinguished scholars in oncology;
- To collaborate with existing organizations interested in neoplastic diseases and facilitate the implementation of relevant and appropriate research on cancer;
- To establish or assist in the setting up of journals and publication of monographs and books in oncology for the dissemination of research work on cancer in Africa;
- To provide scholarships and grants to facilitate objectives;
- To provide technical advice to WHO, AU and other Governments in Africa on cancer-related issues.
AORTIC identified these priority areas:
Emphasis on development of National Cancer Control Programmes.
A useful guiding tool, AORTIC CANCER PLAN, was developed which we hope will help in the campaign to prevent, treat and control cancer in Africa.
“Key” cancers such as:
- Breast
- Cervix
- Prostate
- Tobacco-related cancers;
- with special emphasis on childhood cancers, infectious/HIV/AIDS related malignancies and lympho-proliferative disorders.
A need to develop innovative strategies for prevention, and early detection of cancer and to ensure access to low-cost anti-cancer therapies, which are country and region specific.
Maintain and support ongoing appropriate regional and country cancer training programmes in palliative care.
Develop resources that support cancer care in services such as:
- pathology & the use of telemedicine
- diagnostics such as radiology
- clinical: including gynaecological, medical & surgical oncology
- capacity building in research methodology, ethics & development of Institutional Review Boards
Cultivate partnerships with global cancer organisations, the media, technology providers, AORTIC membership expertise and regional professional organisations, policy makers, the private sector, healthcare workers, community groups and non-communicable disease alliances, while prioritising synergy of efforts.