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Cancer in the Solomon Islands
Alexandra Martiniuk1, Rooney Jagilli2, Eileen Natuzzi3
1University of Sydney, Australia; University of Toronto, Australia; George Institute for Global Health, Edward Ford Building, 2000, Australia.
Cancer Epidemiology
|November 10, 2017
Summary
Cancer diagnosis and treatment in the Solomon Islands face significant hurdles due to health system and economic challenges. Improving cancer registries and establishing a dedicated cancer unit are key recommendations for progress.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Systems Research
Background:
- The Solomon Islands faces substantial challenges in managing non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, compounded by economic, cultural, and health system limitations.
- Addressing cancer requires understanding the current landscape of knowledge, data, and services within the nation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate existing knowledge on cancer in the Solomon Islands.
- To collect novel data on cancer incidence and health services.
- To formulate actionable recommendations for cancer control.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Analysis of cancer data from the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.
- Interviews with key stakeholders to gather perspectives on improvements.
- A health services audit for cancer utilizing the WHO SARA tool.
Main Results:
- Breast and cervical cancers are the most prevalent in the Solomon Islands.
- The national cancer registry is hospital-based, with incomplete data collection hindering its use in decision-making.
- Delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment/palliative care are linked to patient knowledge gaps, late referrals, healthcare worker skill/diagnostic limitations, and accessibility issues.
Conclusions:
- The Solomon Islands confronts significant obstacles in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliation.
- Stakeholders advocate for establishing a specialized cancer unit, enhancing registry processes, and fostering collaboration between the national hospital and other health services.
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