Mapping Cancer Survivorship in Africa: An Update From the Survivorship Working Group (SWG) Survey

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PURPOSE The incidence and mortality rates of cancer in Africa are on the rise, with projections expecting increasing incidence and mortality, with an estimated million annual deaths due to cancer by the year 2030. Despite this high cancer burden, little is known about the current models of survivorship care in Africa. The Survivorship Working Group (SWG) is a group of experts convened to better understand the scope of survivorship care across the region, in addition to their own work studying and providing cancer care in African countries. SWG members include doctors, oncologists, cancer survivors and public health experts. Our study aims to document the range of projects being led by SWG members in the area of cancer survivorship care in Africa. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, utilizing a Google survey consisting of 28 questions (multiple choice and short notes) focused on cancer survivorship care. The survey link was disseminated via email to all SWG members between February 1st to February 29th, 2024. The data collected was imported and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS As of Feb 22nd, 2024, a total of 11 surveys were answered. The majority of projects were conducted in eastern 63.6% (n=7) and southern 54.5% (n=6) African regions. 45.5% (n=5) of reported projects were in the initiation/planning phase, 27.3% (n=3) were in data collection/analysis phase, and 27.3% (n=3) were in completion/reporting phase. Of reported projects, 63.6% (n=7) were focused on a specific type of cancer, with breast cancer 57.1% (n=4) coming first, and cervical cancer 42.8% (n=3) in second place. Only 37.5% (n=3) of cancer survivorship projects were focused on the pediatric population. The adult and geriatric populations were the focus of 81.8% (n=9) and 72.7% (n=8) of projects respectively. 90.9% (n=9) of all projects focus on psychosocial/peer support, while only 27.3% (n=3) focus on palliative care. CONCLUSION Cancer survivorship projects and programs are growing and needed in African countries due to growing cancer incidence and mortality. Our initial survey results show that current SWG member-led projects are mostly focused on adult and geriatric populations and that most projects are in the initiation/planning phase. Our survey final results will help us understand current cancer survivorship practices among SWG members, and help guide future projects to address disparities.

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