Challenges in the Management of Childhood Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The burden of childhood cancer is an important child health concern globally. Several million new cases are diagnosed annually, but the greatest burden is borne by developing countries. The management of paediatric cancer patients in these settings is fraught with several challenges, which can significantly affect outcome. Aim: To identify the various challenges in management of children with cancers in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Uyo, Nigeria and proffer interventions which may impact positively on their long term survival and quality of life. Methods: A three year retrospective study of children admitted with cancers was carried out at the Haemato-Oncology unit of the department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo Nigeria, from January 2019 and December 2021. The available records of their admission, treatment process, progress and outcome were reviewed. Results: Of the thirty-eight (38) patients seen, all presented at a late stage of disease. The socio-economic class of parents were mostly low (81.6%) and all treatments were self-sponsored, with 44.7% discharging against medical advice due to financial constraints. Conclusion: The challenges in the management of paediatric cancer patients included late presentation, late diagnosis, financial constraints/poverty, burn-out of caregivers, with a resultant high frequency of discharge against medical advice. Greater awareness about childhood cancers, increased advocacy for governmental input by way of resources, infrastructure and health insurance policies would improve outcome.