Perspectives of oncology professionals on cancer care for displaced populations in Africa.

Abstract

e13503 Background: Over 45.9M Africans are forcibly displaced, including over 35M Internally Displaced Persons and around 10 million refugees and asylum seekers. Despite this reality, the cancer care needs of these populations remain poorly addressed in research and policy. This mixed-methods study explored the continuum of cancer care for displaced populations in Africa from the perspective of oncology care professionals (OCPs). A study protocol was developed and ethical clearance obtained from Queen’s University Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board. Methods: A bilingual English/French online survey designed by the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer, Special Interest Group on Cancer in Conflict and Displacement Settings was administered to OCPs between Jun-Nov 2025 capturing respondents' geographic location, the demographic characteristics of the displaced patients served, respondents’ professional experiences, perceived challenges, and comparative access and financial cost of cancer care for refugees and asylum seekers as compared to nationals. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS. Results: 130 responses were received from 18 African countries, with the highest representation from Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya, followed by Cameroon, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. Incomplete responses and those not providing care to displaced populations were excluded and sixty seven responses were included. Over 60% of respondents worked in public cancer facilities, less than 10% and 30% in private, and mixed-type facilities successively. The number of patients treated by each respondent over the last 18 months was 1-20, the majority of whom were children under 18 years old and a higher percentage of patients were females. Breast cancer was the most common type of cancer, followed by cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. More than 50% of respondents indicated that refugees have equal access to care at no extra cost when compared to nationals. Only 25% respondents were aware of any additional support provided to refugee and asylum seeker patients by humanitarian organizations. A substantial majority of respondents (82%) did not receive any dedicated training in providing cancer care to displaced populations, and 88% indicated that such training is highly needed. Key barriers include socio-cultural, economic and psychological impact of displacement, late-stage presentation, high pressure on services, funding shortages, poor treatment adherence, limited service availability and referral challenges. Conclusions: Addressing the cancer care needs of displaced populations is a reality for OCPs in Africa, yet a deficit in relevant training persists. To enhance the quality of service and improve patient outcomes among these vulnerable populations, OCP training and bridging the cultural, financial and service gaps must be prioritized.