article · BMC Cancer
Cancer incidence is rising in low- and middle-income countries, with patients in Sub-Saharan Africa facing significant obstacles due to weak healthcare infrastructure and poor access to early diagnosis and treatment. An investigation into patient experiences at Mbingo Baptist Hospital in Cameroon used qualitative interviews with eleven individuals to examine the hurdles encountered across the cancer care pathway. The findings highlighted severe diagnostic delays, heavy financial strains, and widespread emotional and psychological distress. Accessing healthcare services and navigating ongoing treatment presented substantial challenges, affecting physical, mental, and social well-being. However, individuals also demonstrated resilience, drawing crucial support from their families and communities. The findings indicate an urgent necessity for systemic healthcare improvements, including stronger infrastructure, improved financial protection, and holistic care approaches that address physical, psychological, and social needs to enhance patient outcomes in low-resource settings.
Understanding the real-world experiences of cancer patients highlights where health systems fail to deliver timely, affordable, and supportive care. In low- and middle-income regions, identifying specific barriers to diagnosis and treatment helps policymakers, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organisations design targeted interventions, reduce catastrophic financial costs, and improve patient survival rates and quality of life.
The abstract does not indicate a direct commercial application pathway, as it focuses on qualitative patient experiences and public health recommendations. However, the identified barriers highlight potential opportunities for healthcare providers and non-governmental organisations to develop targeted patient support programmes, holistic care models, and financial protection mechanisms. These applications remain at an early, conceptual stage reliant on systemic policy changes.
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BACKGROUND: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with rising incidence rates, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This burden is pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where Cameroon faces escalating cancer challenges, primarily due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to early detection and treatment. The study aimed to explore the experiences of cancer patients at Mbingo Baptist Hospital in Cameroon in Cameroon, focusing on the barriers to obtaining quality diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, and to examine the impact of these challenges on their physical, emotional, and social well-being. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design, conducting in-depth interviews with eleven cancer patients in December 2023 and January 2024. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key barriers in the cancer care pathway. The biopsychosocial model guided the exploration of patients' experiences, capturing the interplay between biological, psychological, and social dimensions of their healthcare journey. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant delays in diagnosis, substantial financial burdens, and emotional and psychological distress among patients. Key themes identified include challenges in the diagnosis and treatment processes, the financial impact of cancer care, emotional and psychosocial repercussions, and difficulties in accessing healthcare services. Despite facing these obstacles, patients also reported instances of resilience and support within their families and communities. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements in cancer care in Cameroon and similar contexts. Enhancing healthcare infrastructure, broadening financial protection, and fostering awareness and early detection are imperative. Additionally, integrating a holistic care approach that considers the biopsychosocial aspects of patient health is crucial for improving outcomes. Addressing these recommendations requires collaborative efforts from governmental and non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers, and the international community to tailor cancer control strategies to the unique needs of LMICs, aiming to alleviate the cancer burden and enhance patient quality of life.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12885-025-14338-y
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