| Issue/Objective |
Cancer burden and mortality continue to rise globally, with developing countries like Nigeria experiencing a disproportionate share. In 2020, Nigeria recorded 125,000 new cancer cases alongside an 80% mortality rate. The health system grapples with limited clinical oncologists, late-stage diagnoses, and high out-of-pocket expenditures. Integrating pharmacist-led interventions within sustainable governance and policy frameworks could enhance cancer care access and performance. This research aims to use patient experiences to support governance and policy reforms that integrate pharmacist-led interventions into Nigeria's cancer care continuum. |
| Methodology/Approach |
Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 101 breast and prostate cancer patients and 34 oncology nurses across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones from June 2024 to January 2025. Thematic content analysis was applied to explore patient navigation along the cancer care continuum, and system mapping was used to compare patient experiences with the Nigerian cancer control plan-with a special focus on the potential roles of community pharmacists in care delivery. |
| Results |
Findings indicate that patient navigation in cancer care is complex and marked by delays, financial and logistical challenges, limited awareness and access to screening programs, and prolonged waiting times for specialist consultations. Systemic issues, including inadequate funding, poor healthcare infrastructure, and insufficient trained oncology personnel, exacerbate these challenges. Critically, the study revealed significant service delivery gaps relative to national policy provisions. Patients expressed strong support for task shifting certain cancer care services to community pharmacists, citing their accessibility and potential to enhance screening, diagnostic support, and follow-up care which could improve outcomes. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable governance and policy reforms that incorporate pharmacist-focused strategies to improve cancer care access in Nigeria and similar settings. Integrating community pharmacists into multidisciplinary care models can help streamline referral pathways, bridge service gaps, and enhance the overall efficiency of cancer care delivery. Policy-level interventions that prioritize resource allocation, infrastructure development, and capacity building in oncology-while explicitly expanding the role of pharmacists-offer a robust framework for achieving equity in cancer care. These findings advocate for a forward-thinking, pharmacist-led model to transform cancer care access in LMICs, aligning with global calls for performance, collaboration, and health transformation. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Otuto Amarauche Chukwu University Of Toronto |
