Global Colorectal Surgery Education
Initiative
Colorectal cancer is preventable and curable.
Where you live in the world should not dictate
your chances of survival.
Our Mission
We aim to revolutionize colorectal healthcare in Ghana and other LMICs by bridging the gap in specialized surgical expertise. We are dedicated to empowering local medical professionals, establishing sustainable training programs, and fostering collaborative partnerships to ensure accessible and advanced care for colorectal diseases across the nation. Through education, innovation, and compassionate care, we aim to transform lives and communities affected by colorectal ailments, striving for a healthier and brighter future for all.
Why Colorectal Surgery?
Colorectal surgery is a field of medicine dealing with disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. Unknown to many, this type of cancer is a leading cause of cancer death not only within the United States, but around the world as well (Cancer Research UK, 2023). Individuals affected by colorectal cancer (CRC) may experience long-lasting trouble with chronic diarrhea, changes to their bowel habits, or pain in their abdominal and stomach area, allowing this to become a serious disease that could easily spread to other areas of the body if left undetected or untreated (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
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Like other low- and middle-income countries across the world, Ghana has borne witness to an increase in benign and malignant colorectal disorders, and CRC prevalence is projected to increase with the adoption of Western lifestyle habits, particularly among the youth. Despite these trends, research has shown that a gap exists when it comes to providers specialized in treating such disorders - an issue that this curriculum aims to address through minimum case requirements, education and training programs. At its core, our initiative aims to elevate colon and rectal surgery specialists to the highest standards, equipping them to deliver safe and top-tier care independently. The program's carefully crafted structure ensures that an ample number of colorectal surgeons are trained, addressing the national healthcare needs across all levels. Ultimately, it is important to remember that colorectal surgery persists as a serious problem in today's world, and taking action now can help future generations live brighter, cancer-free lives.
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1. Cancer Research UK. (2023, June 9). Worldwide cancer statistics. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/worldwide-cancer#:~:text=Mortality%20worldwide&text=Lung%2C%20bowel%2C%20liver%20and%20stomach,of%20cancer%20death%20since%201975
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2. Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Colorectal (Colon) cancer. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14501-colorectal-colon-cancer
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3. Global Colorectal Surgery Education Initiative. (n.d.). Michigan Medicine | Department of Surgery Research. Retrieved July 29, 2024, from https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/surgery-research/centers-initiatives/center-global-surgery/global-colorectal-surgery-education-initiative
Aims of the Program:
Excellence in Patient Care
Dedicated to achieving excellence in the care of patients with colorectal disease, our program focuses on leveraging available resources to better deliver exceptional and comprehensive healthcare services.
Interested in Learning More?
Listen to board member Dr. Gifty Kwakye speak about the results of an assessment of our colorectal cancer fellowship in Ghana that managed to reveal barriers and next steps for the program's future.
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Source: Michigan Center for Global Surgery