Oncology · Hematology ·
Survey identifies gaps in childhood cancer pathology services across Africa
A cross-sectional online survey of 85 pathologists in 19 African countries assessed diagnostic capacity, quality systems and training needs. Advanced diagnostic testing and external quality assurance were limited, while respondents reported strong interest in further training.
- Survey included 85 pathologists from 19 African countries.
- Immunohistochemistry was available in 47% of facilities.
- Routine histopathology turnaround exceeded seven days in 76%.
- Eighty-eight percent reported interest in further training.
Researchers surveyed pathologists in the SIOP Africa professional network from September 2025 to April 2026. The cross-sectional online survey assessed workforce and infrastructure, diagnostic capabilities, quality indicators and fellowship training priorities; quantitative responses were analysed descriptively and free-text responses thematically. Eighty-five pathologists from 19 countries participated, most working in university or national referral hospitals.
Histopathology was available in 99% of respondents’ facilities, but immunohistochemistry in 47%, and flow cytometry and molecular diagnostics in 15% each. Turnaround times for routine histopathology exceeded seven days in 76% of centres; 48% reported participation in external quality assurance. Eighty-eight percent expressed interest in further training, particularly in paediatric pathology (65%), molecular pathology (52%) and cytopathology (39%).
The survey describes reported service and training gaps relevant to childhood cancer diagnosis across participating settings. Its findings are descriptive and based on respondents from a professional network, so they may not represent all pathology services across Africa. The authors identify sustainable, context-specific capacity building as an opportunity, but the survey does not evaluate the effects of any intervention.
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Pediatric Blood & Cancer: A Continental Survey of the Diagnostic Capacity and Fellowship Training Priorities for Childhood Cancer Pathology Across Africa ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.