Multi Sector Collaboration; Pathway to Cervical and Breast Cancer Control in Nigeria
Abstract
Introduction In Nigeria, cervical and breast cancer are two of the leading, and often preventable, causes of cancer death in women. They account for more than 40% of all women’s cancer and about two- thirds of cancer deaths.... [ view full abstract ]
Introduction
In Nigeria, cervical and breast cancer are two of the leading, and often preventable, causes of cancer death in women. They account for more than 40% of all women’s cancer and about two- thirds of cancer deaths. This growing burden of women’s cancers reflects the relative lack of attention and resources devoted to cancer care and control in Nigeria.
Methods
This article reviewed 15 peer reviewed manuscripts on collaborative cancer control programs in low resource settings. It highlights the limitations to breast and cervical cancer control in Nigeria and proposes creative and effective strategies drawn from other countries that adopt integrated, multi sector strategies to comprehensive cancer control with collaboration of stakeholders at all levels.
Results
Resources for cancer care will be most effective if they strengthen primary care and the entire health system and integrate cancer care into platforms already in place for other diseases. Cervical cancer screening could be integrated into HIV services or health providers in cervical cancer screening clinics could be trained in clinical breast examination. For this, comprehensive and coordinated development of programs, collective action and collaboration between government, nonprofit, private and public organizations, community groups and individual members is necessary. By building capacity through multi sector partnership, Nigeria significantly increases the bandwidth that is available to support national cancer control efforts. However, high level political commitment is needed as successful cancer control strategies invariably depends on government support.
Conclusion
Objectively measured improvements in cervical and breast cancer outcomes have been documented through innovative and collaborative cancer control programs being implemented in various lower resource settings. Nigeria needs to find the political will to provide and coordinate needed resources in a sustainable way to reduce its burden of cervical and breast cancer.
Authors
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Foluso Ishola
(Youth Society on Cancer Nigeria (YSCN); Global Youth Coalition against Cancer (GYCC))
Topic Area
VI. Research and action 6.1 Collaboration; interaction of researchers; stakeholders 6.2 S
Session
PBAIC-O-08 » Place Based Actions to Prevent Disease and Promote Health In Cities (10:45 - Sunday, 3rd April, TBA)
Paper
ICUH-Multi_sector_Collaboration.docx
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