Abstract 56: Integrated Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention: What is the Cost of Cost Reduction?

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: coupling of breast and cervical cancer prevention has been proposed as a possible low hanging fruit to accelerate simultaneous reduction in burden of both cancers in low resource settings but unfortunately the evidence on effectiveness of such strategy is limited. We have therefore documented and compared the implementation processes of 2 intervention programs in low resource settings with the aim of catalyzing further research into the effectiveness of coupling prevention of breast and cervical cancer in low resource settings. Methods: Action research model was adopted in the implementation of coupling of breast cancer prevention strategies onto cervical cancer screening programs that End Cervical Cancer Nigeria Initiative (ECCNI) is involved in. This study compared the implementation processes and outcomes of leveraging two cervical cancer screening programs to prevent breast cancer in Kebbi State of Nigeria. Budget impact of the programs was projected and compared. Results: Two thousand four hundred and sixty-six (2,466) women were screened for cervical cancer across 10healthcare facilities under the WHO/CHAI/MCF supported pilot HPV screening in Kebbi State while the number of women who had clinical breast examination could not be ascertained. At the police cottage hospital, 125 women were screened for cervical cancer using VIA and 131 women had clinical breast examination within the reporting period. The estimated financial cost of implementation (excluding economic cost) per center was $4,550 for cervical cancer screening and $1,850 for clinical breast examination-based prevention program. The implementation cost for the integrated breast and cervical cancer screening at the police cottage hospital was $4,550, implying that no additional funding is required to leverage clinical breast examination on budgeted cervical cancer screening at the primary healthcare level. Conclusion: Integrated breast and cervical cancer prevention is a confirmed cost reducing strategy but further research is needed to determine cost effectiveness of the strategy. Citation Format: Ishak Lawal, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Nuhu Koko, Jamilu Mohammad, Abdullahi Bala Rano, Kabir Aliyu Suleiman. Integrated Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention: What is the Cost of Cost Reduction? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 56.