Abstract
Cancer is fast growing out of the reach of trained oncologists and other experts. It was once thought to be a problem almost exclusive to the developed world but cancer is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing (resource-limited) countries thus making it a health priority. The need to deliver cancer care in resourcelimited settings is gaining urgency, with need for particular emphasis on the creation of cost-effective, rational algorithms utilizing affordable chemotherapeutics to treat curable disease. The delivery of comprehensive cancer care in resource-poor settings demands a concerted effort by a team of multidisciplinary care providers, even if they are not trained oncologists. This article seeks to highlight the challenges in managing cancers in the developing world using Nigerian Christian Hospital experience as an example. We suggest ways of improving the care of cancer patients in such settings.
Highlights
IntroductionCancer is a public health problem worldwide affecting all categories of persons, and not just the rich
Not just a rich man’s diseaseCancer is a public health problem worldwide affecting all categories of persons, and not just the rich
That practice is not encouraged in Nigerian Christian Hospital [10,11]. Another challenge in delivering cancer care services in resourcepoor settings is the sheer lack of treatment options
Summary
Cancer is a public health problem worldwide affecting all categories of persons, and not just the rich. That practice is not encouraged in Nigerian Christian Hospital [10,11] Another challenge in delivering cancer care services in resourcepoor settings is the sheer lack of treatment options. Breast cancer patients in Nigerian Christian Hospital spend at least N15, 000 ($100 USD) to procure drugs for one course of chemotherapy. Radiation by one conservative estimate, if each Tanzanian radiation oncologist saw 250 new patients per year, the number of radiation oncologists available in Tanzania would be obviously and dramatically below the estimated need This matches and underscores the picture in most African countries. In Nigeria, as in many other resource-limited countries, there is no policy or action plan regarding cancer care [14] This is despite the backdrop of rising cancer-related morbidity and mortality. There is the urgent need to prioritize cancer care in developing countries, in terms of accessibility, acceptability, affordability and accommodation of new cases
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