Cape Town, South Africa: February 4, 2026 -Rising global cancer incidence is straining healthcare systems, which already face workforce shortages. In Africa, the number of trained physicians in cancer care, spanning diagnosis, treatment coordination, and long-term management, has not met the increasing demand. Africa faces a growing burden of cancer, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that the continent records around 1.1 million cases of cancer every year. Yet, the number of trained oncologists in Africa has not kept pace, highlighting a critical shortage of specialists needed to support patients throughout their treatment journey.
Recognizing the importance of addressing workforce shortage in Africa, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, highlights how its medical education approach supports the development of clinical competencies relevant to cancer care across healthcare settings.
These challenges reflect broader global trends, where cancer care increasingly depends on multidisciplinary teams rather than specialty expansion alone. SGU’s curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in clinical diagnosis, patient communication and multidisciplinary care, which are essential skills for effective oncology and cancer-related care. Through anatomy labs, simulation-based learning, and integrated digital tools, students develop foundational clinical skills in structured, supervised environments designed to reflect real-world medical practice.
The curriculum also integrates traditional cadaveric dissection with modern 3D anatomical modeling. This blend helps students visualize the human body in a holistic way while reinforcing knowledge through their hands-on interaction. SGU’s simulation lab also enables medical students to have their first direct interaction with ill patients in a safe, simulated learning environment.
On top of core medical training, SGU offers early exposure to prevention, diagnosis, and patient-centered care to prepare graduates to tackle complex health issues. SGU has developed long-standing relationships with more than 75 established hospitals and clinical centers in the US and UK. These clinical placements provide exposure to diverse patient populations and care environments, including settings where cancer diagnosis and management are part of routine clinical practice.
African SGU alumni are contributing to healthcare systems through roles that intersect with cancer diagnosis, treatment coordination, and long-term patient care. For example, Dr. Ifeatu Egwuatu, MD ‘23, is practicing internal medicine, making a critical difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. He aims to leverage his experience to advocate for equitable care, improve access in under-resourced communities, and continue responding with empathy, precision, and calm in the most urgent moments of need.
As global cancer incidence continues to rise, strengthening healthcare capacity will depend not only on increasing specialist numbers, but on preparing physicians with adaptable clinical skills applicable across the cancer care continuum. Medical education plays a critical role in equipping future doctors to navigate complex diagnoses, coordinate multidisciplinary care, and respond to evolving patient needs within diverse health systems.
On World Cancer Day 2026, the growing focus on cancer care highlights the importance of long-term investment in physician training. Through its global medical education model, SGU supports the development of broadly trained physicians who are prepared to contribute to healthcare systems in Africa and beyond.
For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.
Author: Oti Egwu.
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