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Expanding Geographical Access to Cancer Care in Botswana: Current Status and Future Prospects
Norman C Swart1, Refeletswe Lebelonyane2,3, Elane M Gutterman4
1School of Nursing, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
JCO Global Oncology
|September 30, 2024
Summary
Botswana
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Oncology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Rising cancer incidence in Botswana linked to aging, lifestyle, and HIV.
- Four public oncology centers (POCs) established to improve cancer care access.
- Needs assessment conducted to evaluate current cancer care characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the characteristics and availability of cancer care services at Botswana's four public oncology centers.
- To identify gaps in diagnostic, treatment, and supportive care services.
- To inform future development of oncology services in Botswana.
Main Methods:
- Multisite cross-sectional survey of oncology staff across four hospitals (PMH, NRH, SMH, LMH).
- Data collected February-April 2021 via focal persons confirming service availability.
- Survey assessed perceived service availability among 51 oncology staff.
Main Results:
- Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) and Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital (NRH) offer comprehensive services; district centers (SMH, LMH) have limited capacity.
- PMH uniquely provides inpatient oncology, multidisciplinary committees, and palliative care.
- All centers offer Pap tests; mammography limited to diagnosis at PMH/NRH; radiation therapy requires referral.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in cancer care services between national referral hospitals and district POCs in Botswana.
- District centers (SMH, LMH) require development to offer specific cancer services, follow-up, and palliative care.
- Enhancing services at district-level POCs is crucial to address Botswana's growing cancer burden.
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