The continent’s cancer burden is projected to triple by 2040, adding to already overburdened healthcare systems.
By Johan Steyn, 9 October 2024
Published by BusinessDay: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/columnists/2024-10-09-johan-steyn-harnessing-ai-to-combat-cancer-in-africa/
In a cancer ward a decade ago, my mother and her mother died in the same week. Despite technological breakthroughs, cancer remains deadly. This personal tragedy raises a pressing question: can artificial intelligence (AI) advancements solve this long-standing curse? Can it benefit everyone, not just the wealthy, and assist those genetically predisposed to this relentless disease?
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death globally, including Africa. According to the World Health Organisation, it is the second largest cause of death worldwide. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, it’s worth highlighting that Africa’s cancer burden is projected to triple by 2040, driven by late-stage diagnoses, limited access to treatment, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The need for improved cancer care across the continent has never been more urgent.
Many African healthcare systems struggle to meet cancer care demand. Oncologists and specialists are scarce, delaying diagnosis and treatment. AI-powered platforms could revolutionise oncology by improving early detection and treatment. AI algorithms quickly and accurately analyse medical data, identifying malignant versus benign CAT scans, reducing false positives and unnecessary follow-ups.
Examples of improving cancer care can be seen through public-private partnerships (PPPs). As discussed in a recent Classic Business interview with journalist and broadcaster Michael Avery and Dr Ernst Marais, COO of Icon Oncology, a PPP in the Northern Cape significantly enhanced access to radiotherapy. The collaboration, which launched a linear accelerator in the private sector to treat public patients, showcases how partnerships can alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.
However, rising chronic illnesses, including cancer, are adding to medical inflation in SA. According to a recent Business Day article by Kabelo Khumalo (“Surge in chronic illness fuels medical inflation”, September 23 2024), the increase in chronic diseases, coupled with fewer young people joining medical schemes, is driving healthcare costs. Discovery Health has noted that cases of chronic illnesses grew from 15.8% in 2008 to 33.1% in 2023. With cancer being a major contributor, medical inflation outpaces general inflation, putting additional pressure on already strained healthcare systems.
Personalised treatment
AI can personalise cancer treatment using genetic data and customised therapy, lowering side effects and enhancing outcomes. If such technology had been accessible a decade ago, my mother and grandmother might have received more specialised therapies and survived. AI can also speed up drug research by digesting vast amounts of biological data, which is vital as African cancer rates climb.
AI in cancer care, especially when integrated with public-private partnerships can revolutionise Africa’s rapidly increasing cancer burden. Customised treatment approaches based on patient genetic profiles improve efficacy, reduce adverse effects and boost success rates.
AI’s ability to drive innovation in drug discovery could lead to the development of new and more efficient treatments, shortening the time it takes to bring life-saving drugs to market. This combination has the potential to democratise cancer care, ensuring that even those in rural or underserved areas can benefit from the latest technologies.
While no technological advancement can reverse the personal tragedies many of us have experienced, the promise of AI in cancer care offers a glimmer of hope for a future where fewer families are forced to endure the pain of losing loved ones to this devastating disease.
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