Oncology
Diagnostic Imaging
Ave Marias offers diagnostic imaging at the cancer centre to aid with all treatment protocols. Both CT Scans (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are used to create visual images of internal structures within the body in detail. The CT Scan is a special form of X-ray machine that produces highly detailed three-dimensional images of the body using image slices. Unlike CT or conventional X-rays, the MRI uses a magnet instead of ionizing radiation to produce images. The MRI provides a good contrast between the different soft tissues of the body, which makes it especially useful when viewing the brain, muscles and vertebrae. Diagnostic imaging allows our dose planning team to create 3D contoured radiation plans for more effective treatment outcomes.
Diagnosis
The first stage of a cancer diagnosis is called detection. Cancer may be detected when the patient or a doctor recognizes certain symptoms or abnormalities, such as a lump or growth. Detection then requires further medical investigation to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Blood tests can be performed to detect normal blood cells as well as for specific cancer tumour markers. Some tumours release substances called tumour markers, which can be detected in the blood. After a cancer is detected and confirmed, it still must be carefully diagnosed before treatment can start.
In most cases, doctors will need to do a biopsy to make a diagnosis of cancer. A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a sample of tissue and has it tested in a laboratory. Certain biopsies are performed in-house at our cancer centre. Where needed, we refer patients to specialists in the related field for biopsy procedures. A diagnosis is an identification of a particular type of cancer. Once our Oncologist has reviewed all your medical records and test results, you will be given a full cancer diagnosis, and your treatment options will be carefully explained to you.
Treatment
At Ave Maria Hospital, we offer cancer treatment for non-haematological malignancies, either alone or in combination with radiotherapy. You will find our approach to treating cancer goes beyond chemo-cancer drugs and radiotherapy treatment machines. We have an environment of hope, support and encouragement. Each of our employees understands the disease of cancer that we are fighting together with you. We will work with you to find the best treatment schedule, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy.
Case Management
Our cancer centre employs trained case managers who coordinate all aspects of patient care. Case managers are available 24×7 to support you. They will help you gather and submit the relevant medical records you need for your consultations. They will also tell you about medical screening that will be needed for diagnosis and treatment. It is their job to keep track of the medical review process and to communicate with patients and families about the plan of care. Your personal case manager will collaborate with all the doctors, specialists, office staff and clinical units to ensure care coordination during your treatment. We also have a French-speaking team to explain processes.
Oncology Medication
Getting the best drugs for cancer patients. Ave Maria Hospital has its own Oncology Pharmacy Service that is located at the cancer centre. Our pharmacy personnel are specially trained in oncology care. They work closely with the Clinical Team and Oncologists to review each patient’s medication needs. Prior to any treatment, our Oncology Pharmacist verifies the medication order against the treatment protocol, the patient’s medication profile and the patient’s health record before dispensing cancer chemotherapy drugs or other prescribed medications.
Secure sourcing for cancer drugs. We are committed to quality and safety. Ave Maria Hospital ensures that all of the drugs used in its cancer treatment protocols are sourced from registered, approved pharmaceutical suppliers. We use brand-name cancer drugs from well-known pharmaceutical companies that have received necessary approvals from Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). We furthermore validate at each step of the procurement process to make sure we prevent counterfeit or expired drugs from entering the system. Our Oncology Pharmacist is closely involved in procurement processes, and our procurement team constantly seeks the best most affordable sources for our pharmacy services.
Safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. Our on-site pharmacy at Ave Maria Hospital is managed by a fully-trained Oncology Pharmacist with many years of experience in the preparation and issue of cancer medications. All cytotoxic (cell-killing) drugs are handled according to specific safety procedures, which include the use of a laminar flow bio-safety cabinet to prepare cytotoxic treatments. This allows our Pharmacy to ensure quality patient care and optimal occupational safety during the administration of chemotherapy drugs.