Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In developing countries like Tanzania, breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death, with more than 80% of diagnoses occurring at stage III or IV, where survival rates are much lower.
To improve access to breast cancer screening and help local clinicians reduce cancer mortality rates across the country, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and GE Healthcare recently announced A collaboration to provide mammography technology, training and educational tools to radiologists at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), part of Muhimbili University of Health Sciences (MUHAS) in Tanzania. The public hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, did not have a working mammography machine.
RSNA has developed the Global Learning Center (GLC) program to help strengthen established radiology education and patient care in low- or medium-resource countries. Through this program, RSNA members collaborate with educational institutions for three years to develop customized curricula that include in-person practical training, lectures, conferences, online courses, and other educational services. Since introducing the program in 2020, RSNA has established locations in South Africa, Tanzania, Ecuador, Indonesia, and Armenia.
“RSNA’s [GLC] “This program was designed to expand radiology education and foster international collaboration around the world,” RSNA Board of Directors Chairman Umar Mahmoud, MD, said in a press release announcing the partnership. “Through this collaboration with GE Healthcare, we are able to collaborate with local stakeholders. [MNH] We promote breast imaging curricula, provide in-person, hands-on training in mammography, and offer online courses, technical assistance, and virtual support. Bringing this important training and technology to her MUHAS will improve access to quality patient care and save lives throughout the region. ”
MUHAS, part of the GLC program, is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Image provided by: Radiological Society of North America
As part of the new partnership with GE HealthCare, the company will install the Pristina mammography suite at MUHAS, which includes 2D and 3D digital breast tomosynthesis, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), CEM biopsy capabilities, and a Seno Iris workstation. included. GE Healthcare will also provide maintenance for the system without making any changes to the university.
Approximately 20 nurses, radiologists, and technologists will participate in this suite and will learn how to operate the system, image interpretation, patient care, video tutorials, case studies, engage physicians from a peer learning network, and when. Receive live training covering. Complete training and earn a certificate issued by GE HealthCare.
In addition to providing practical training and equipment, the collaboration will also work to raise awareness among Tanzanians about the importance of testing and early detection.
“GE Healthcare is committed to reducing healthcare disparities and improving access to medical imaging around the world,” said Jan Makela, president and CEO of imaging at GE Healthcare, in a release. “One of the ways we honor this commitment is through our ongoing medical imaging services.” Pursuing innovative imaging technology Another way we honor this commitment is by collaborating with organizations like RSNA, leveraging our diverse strengths to help improve the quality of life in countries with the highest breast cancer mortality rates in the world. is one of collaboration with the global community. His work with RSNA helped bring much-needed mammography technology to his MUHAS, where early detection can save lives and this combination of technology, training and educational tools will benefit thousands of women across Tanzania. I believe it has the potential to help. ”
