Growth and development of oncology nursing in Africa

There is a growing recognition that oncology nurses are vitally important for an effective cancer control system. Although there is variation among countries, oncology nursing is being recognized as a specialty practice and seen as a priority for development in cancer control plans in many settings. Ministries of Health in many countries are beginning to acknowledge the role nurses play in achieving successful cancer control outcomes. Additionally, the need for access to relevant education for oncology nursing practice is being recognized by nursing and policy leaders. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the growth and development of oncology nursing in Africa. Several vignettes are presented by nurse leaders in cancer care from several African countries. Their descriptions offer brief illustrations regarding the leadership nurses are providing in cancer control education, clinical practice, and research in their respective countries. The illustrations offer insight into the urgent need, and the potential, for future development of oncology nursing as a specialty given the many challenges nurses face across the African continent. The illustrations may also provide encouragement and ideas for nurses in countries where there is little current development of the specialty about how to proceed to mobilize efforts aimed toward its growth.