Dr. Adedayo Joseph is an oncologist working in Nigeria. She is leading a clinical trial called HYPOAfrica. This study tests a special radiation treatment that gives higher doses in fewer visits. The study helps doctors learn if this treatment works well for African patients and busy health systems.
In 2020, Dr. Joseph started the first paediatric radiation program in Nigeria. Because there was no training in Sub-Saharan Africa, she went to Germany and the United States to learn. She then returned to Nigeria and built a team of experts at her hospital.
Dr. Joseph also leads the Dorcas Cancer Foundation. Her foundation helps families with travel and care. This support helped reduce waiting times for treatment from 200 days to around 50 days.
Difficult words
- oncologist — a doctor who specializes in treating cancer
- radiation — a type of energy used in medical treatment
- expert — a person with high knowledge or skill in somethingexperts
- foundation — an organization that gives money or help to people
- reduce — to make something smaller in amount or size
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is it important to have specialized cancer treatment in every region?
- How can foundations help patients and their families during treatment?
- Would you like to work in healthcare in the future? Why or why not?
