BWS Experience in Integrating Cancer Care

Background and context: Nigeria, being the most populous African country has the highest cancer burden. Fragmentation of healthcare services leads to late presentation, inappropriate navigation, delay in diagnosis, intervention and an increased loss to follow-up. Aim: To have a harmonized and fast-tracked cancer diagnosis and management via providing an integrated cancer care and effective navigation to tertiary hospitals, when required. Strategy/Tactics: We set up a center to screen, diagnose and treat cancers in partnership with collaborators, at low cost to patients. Program/Policy process: The BWS (Breast Without Spot) Screening and Wellness Centre was set up in 2016 to offer cancer/NCD education, screening services for cancers and other noncommunicable diseases. A multidisciplinary volunteer team takes care of diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided biopsies, cryotherapy of premalignant cervical lesions, histopathology and chemotherapy. Where radiotherapy and surgery are indicated, patients are navi...