Mapping stakeholders for developing cancer research in Small Island Developing States: a descriptive study from the...

High cancer mortality in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is compounded by the insufficient evidence from local epidemiological studies. Stakeholder engagement is particularly important in SIDS to ultimately drive these studies and cancer control. We aimed to map cancer control stakeholders as part of the development of the CaSIDEC study.

The Cancer in Small Island Developing States of the Eastern Caribbean (CaSIDEC) study investigates the role of overseas travel on cancer survivorship in the six countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Stakeholders were identified during the study planning phases through professional networks, snowballing and public directories. Persons interested in research/cancer care or those capable of influencing it were included in the analysis. We assessed power and interest by attributing scores based on publicly available content and previous interactions. Based on scores, stakeholders were categorised into engagement typologies: promoters, latent, advocates or bystanders. Descriptive statistics were computed, and country-specific variations were examined.

Of 159 identified stakeholders, 96 were analysed. The stakeholder subgroups included supporters (36%), policymakers (32%), implementers (18%) and civil society leaders (14%). The overall mean scores for interest and power were low (4.5/10, SD=2.6 and 4.7/10, SD=2.5, respectively). 29% of stakeholders were classified as latent, 28% as bystanders, 23% as advocates and 20% as promoters. Of these promoters, the majority were implementers and policymakers (36% each). Antigua, Saint Vincent and Saint Kitts had more representation from policymakers but less from implementers compared with other islands.

We carried out the first analysis in the Caribbean, mapping stakeholders for an epidemiological study. Like other developing countries, interest in developing a large-scale epidemiological study was low among stakeholders. Cancer support groups and implementers were strong advocates for this research. Our findings will help guide efforts to increase the political will needed to generate new knowledge and policy.

NCT07695116.