Bachelor Queen's University Faculty of Health Sciences SCARBOROUGH, Canada
Background: Pediatric cancer is a pressing public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with survival rates as low as 20-30 percent compared to 80 percent in higher-income countries (1). This disparity may be linked to the vast impact of social determinants of health on pediatric cancer care. By identifying and studying these determinants, we can develop targeted interventions to promote global health equity and reduce the burden of childhood cancer in African countries.
Objective: This research poster aims to analyze the determinants of health driving increased morbidity and mortality among pediatric cancer patients in SSA to propose interventions that can advance global health equity in childhood cancer care.
Design/Methods: PubMed’s Advanced search functionality was employed to input critical terms such as ‘Pediatric Cancer Care,’ ‘Sub-Saharan Africa’, and ‘Determinants of Health.’ We utilized Boolean operators to broaden or narrow our search parameters as needed. Following this, our search concentrated on ‘access to health professionals’ and ‘social support’ within African pediatric cancer care institutions.
Results: Our research indicates that a lack of societal awareness about childhood cancer, coupled with misconceptions about its etiology, contributes to delayed diagnoses and poor treatment outcomes (2). Additionally, geographic barriers to accessing healthcare facilities and limited medication availability compound the high cost of treatment, often causing families to terminate treatment early (3). Finally, inadequate support from charitable organizations leaves families emotionally and financially isolated, and food insecurity exacerbates these challenges, increasing morbidity and mortality (2,4). Launching educational campaigns, improving drug accessibility, subsidizing treatment costs, and implementing supportive care guidelines are crucial steps to improve childhood cancer care outcomes in SSA (2,5). These interventions can empower families with accurate information about childhood cancer and streamline treatment protocols by ensuring timely access to diagnosis and medication (2,5).
Conclusion(s): Childhood cancer patients in SSA experience heightened morbidity and mortality due to the complex interaction between financial barriers, limited access to healthcare, misconceptions about cancer, and insufficient support systems. Intervening through targeted interventions is essential to address these challenges, improve outcomes, and ensure global access to quality care for pediatric cancer patients.
