Cross city project

Cancer Surgery

Strengthening Surgical Oncology Capacity for Cancer Care in Phnom Penh

Project lead

Dara Vithiea

Areas of action

Implementation

Cycle I

The challenge

Surgical care is a critical component of cancer treatment in Cambodia, yet access and quality remain limited.
Cancer surgery services are constrained by limited infrastructure and a small number of specialised centres, primarily located in Phnom Penh.
There is a critical shortage of surgeons trained in oncologic procedures, as well as anaesthesiologists and supporting surgical teams.
The lack of specialised expertise, including thoracic and complex oncologic surgery, limits the range and quality of procedures available.
High out-of-pocket costs and late-stage diagnosis further reduce the effectiveness and accessibility of surgical treatment.
Equipment availability is inconsistent and clinical protocols are not yet fully in place, thus affecting surgical quality and outcomes.

The goal

To strengthen the capacity and quality of surgical care for cancer patients.

The How

Building surgical capacity through targeted skills development for surgeons involved in cancer care.
Facilitating short scientific visits to regional and international reference centres to strengthen expertise in colorectal and paediatric oncology surgery.
Organising mentorship and in-country training sessions with visiting experts to support hands-on skill transfer.
Enhancing local surgical teams’ ability to manage complex oncologic cases safely and effectively.
Aligning surgical capacity strengthening with national clinical practice guidelines under development by the Ministry of Health.

Outputs

Preceptorship programme for colorectal cancers.
Preceptorship programme for paediatric cancers.

Team

Project Lead

Dara Vithiea, Assistant Head of Surgical Department, Calmette Hospital

Project Team

Dara Vithiea, Assistant Head of Surgical Department, Calmette Hospital.
Chek Sokchea, Surgeon, Luang Mé Hospital
Try Thy, Surgeon, Orange Cancer Clinic
Kong Vuthy, Pediatric Surgeon, Kantha Bopha Hospital
Chhay Raksmey, Surgeon, Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital
Hor Choeu, Head of Surgical Department, National Pediatric Hospital
Hor Bisiphan, Medical Doctor, Japan Heart Asia Children's Medical Center
Sarech Cheng, Pediatric Surgeon, National Pediatric Hospital