Launch of the AORTIC Journal: A Living Record of African Cancer Research

Opening letter. Front-matter contribution reproduced from the AJCR Welcome page for the synthetic inaugural issue fixture.

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

As I slowly wind down my season as AORTIC President, what an honor it has been — I find myself reflecting deeply on how far we've come, and how fitting it is that we now launch something that will outlive us all: the AORTIC Journal.

This journal represents more than an academic milestone. It is a symbol of collective progress, of African excellence, and of our shared belief that solutions for Africa must be led by Africa. For years, so much of the data guiding our cancer care came from contexts far removed from our realities. But through this journal, we are building a platform where our stories, our science, and our voices now take center stage.

The AORTIC Journal is not just pages of research, but a living record of what we can achieve together when collaboration meets courage.

It will elevate African oncology research to global visibility, strengthen cross-disciplinary partnerships, nurture early-career researchers and clinicians, and encourage innovation that reflects the lived experiences of our patients.

As I transition from this role, I am deeply grateful for the chance to have witnessed the strength of this community, a family of oncologists, surgeons, nurses, advocates, and policymakers who continue to define what leadership looks like on this continent.

To our editorial team and contributors: thank you for breathing life into this vision. To our readers and members: this journal belongs to you. I invite you to publish, mentor, engage, and help shape this legacy into one that reflects the depth, diversity, and determination of African cancer research.

With warm regards,
Mariam Mutebi, MD, MMed Surg, MSc
Former President of AORTIC · Consultant Breast Surgical Oncologist