1. About the Journal
The AORTIC Journal of Cancer Research (AJCR) is a peer-reviewed journal committed to promoting excellence in cancer research, with a particular emphasis on addressing the cancer burden in Africa and underserved populations worldwide. Aligned with the mission of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) to advance cancer control in Africa through research, education, training, and collaboration, the journal serves as a platform for high-quality original research, translational studies, and policy-relevant work.
AJCR aims to support scientific innovation, foster global partnerships, and contribute to improved cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, ultimately reducing cancer disparities and improving outcomes across diverse populations.
Article Processing Charges (APC)
No publication fees for first or senior authors residing in Africa, in support of advancing cancer research across the continent.
Reduced fee for AORTIC members outside Africa and non-members whose manuscripts focus on African cancer research.
Standard publication fee for all other submissions that do not meet the criteria above.
2. Types of Articles Published
The AORTIC Journal of Cancer Research (AJCR) welcomes a broad range of article types that advance cancer research, clinical care, prevention, and policy, with a particular emphasis on Africa and underserved populations globally.
Original Research Articles
Full-length manuscripts presenting novel and rigorous scientific findings across basic, translational, clinical, and population sciences. Studies should include clearly defined objectives, robust methodology, and comprehensive analysis that contribute new knowledge to the field of oncology.
Review Articles
In-depth, critical syntheses of existing literature that provide clarity on current understanding, identify knowledge gaps, and propose future research directions. Both narrative and focused reviews are encouraged, particularly on topics relevant to cancer burden and control in Africa.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Methodologically rigorous evaluations of published studies using standardized protocols (e.g., PRISMA guidelines), offering quantitative or qualitative summaries that inform evidence-based practice and policy.
Short Communications / Brief Reports
Concise reports describing preliminary findings, innovative methods, or emerging concepts of high significance. These articles should present clear and impactful results that warrant rapid dissemination.
Case Reports and Case Series
Detailed descriptions of unique, rare, or instructive clinical cases that provide insights into diagnosis, treatment, or disease mechanisms, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Perspectives and Commentaries
Scholarly opinions and thought pieces addressing emerging scientific, clinical, or policy issues. These articles should stimulate discussion and provide forward-looking insights into cancer research and care.
Editorials
Invited contributions from experts or editorial board members that contextualize published work, highlight important developments, or address strategic priorities in cancer research and global oncology.
Letters to the Editor
Brief communications that provide constructive critique, discussion, or clarification of previously published articles, fostering scientific dialogue within the community.
Policy, Implementation, and Global Health Reports
Articles focused on cancer control strategies, health systems research, implementation science, and policy initiatives. Submissions that address disparities, access to care, and scalable interventions in Africa and other low-resource settings are particularly encouraged.
3. Preparing Your Paper & Article Limits
Authors should prepare manuscripts in clear, concise English, following standard scientific reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT for randomized controlled trials, STROBE for observational studies, PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, where applicable). Submissions must be original, not previously published, and not under consideration elsewhere.
General Formatting Requirements
- Manuscripts should be submitted in Word format (
.docor.docx) - Use double spacing, 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman), and numbered pages
- Include line numbers for review
- Structure should include:
- Title page
- Abstract
- Keywords (3–6)
- Main text
- References
- Figures and Tables (with legends)
Article Types & Word Limits
The following limits apply to each article type:
Original Research
Review Articles
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Short Communications
Case Reports / Case Series
Perspectives / Commentaries
Editorials (Invited)
Letters to the Editor
Policy & Implementation Reports
* Authors should indicate the word count at time of submission. Exceptional content may warrant limits being exceeded on a case-by-case basis.
4. Ethics
All studies involving human participants or animals must adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
- Ethics Approval: All studies involving humans or animals must include IRB/IACUC approval and informed consent where applicable. Approval must be stated in the Methods section.
- Data Availability: Authors should include a statement on data access. A Data Availability Statement is mandatory for all primary research papers.
- Conflict of Interest: All competing interests must be disclosed under a "Competing Interests" heading. Financial and non-financial interests are both required.
- Clinical Trials: Trials must be registered in a public registry before first enrollment; include the registration number in the abstract.
- Use of Animals and Humans: Indicate compliance with institutional/national guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki.
Peer Review Process
At the AJCR, we use an open peer-review policy: the identities of authors and reviewers are disclosed to each other to promote transparency, accountability, and quality of feedback.
Every manuscript first undergoes an editorial screening for suitability. Those that meet the journal's scope and standards are sent to at least two independent expert reviewers. Reviewers evaluate scientific merit, methodology, significance, and ethical integrity.
Peer-review timelines vary with reviewer availability, manuscript complexity, and whether additional rounds of review are required. Authors will be informed of manuscript status through the editorial system. Authors revising manuscripts should provide three documents:
- A Point-by-Point Response to all reviewer comments
- A Manuscript with Tracked Changes showing all modifications
- A Clean Manuscript incorporating all changes
5. Journal Policies
Originality & Similarity Screening
Submissions may be screened using similarity-detection tools. Similarity reports are interpreted editorially and in context; no single percentage threshold, by itself, determines acceptance or rejection.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
AI-assisted tools must not be listed as authors. Authors remain responsible for the accuracy, originality, attribution, and integrity of all submitted material. Authors must disclose at submission whether AI-assisted technologies were used and describe how they were used in the cover letter and, where applicable, in the manuscript. Reviewers and editors must not upload confidential manuscripts to external AI systems where confidentiality cannot be assured unless that use has been explicitly permitted by the journal.
Data Sharing & Transparency
Authors are strongly encouraged to deposit datasets in recognized repositories. A Data Availability Statement is mandatory for all primary research papers.
Third-Party Material
It is mandatory to obtain written permission for any third-party material you intend to reuse (including photos, datasets, or long text extracts).
6. Submission Checklist
Please ensure all submissions meet the following requirements: