Cancer in Sierra Leone

Cancer accounts for over 12% of deaths globally, killing more people than malaria, AIDS and TB combined. According to the WHO over 100 million people could die of cancer in low to medium income countries by 2020.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people are affected by cancer. Although advances are being made in many developed countries, in regions with limited or no health infrastructure, the situation can be dire. Sierra Leone is no exception. Although the Government of Sierra Leone is making good progress in improving access to health, limited resources means that it is forced to understandably prioritise its focus on maternal and child health care.

However, with no money, limited skilled personnel and a lack of community awareness of the dangers of the disease, cancer continues to take lives and overwhelm an already stretched health system. Although there is little comprehensive data, it is estimated that between 11,000 to 24,000 women die annually from cancer, and these figures are set to increase at an alarming rate without intervention.

Cancer mortality rates are high in Sierra Leone due to lack of preventative and curative structures at primary health care level. By the time most patients are diagnosed, the disease is often in the late stages and thus incurable. At this stage, the burden moves from the individual to the health system; and it is vital that any health system is adequately equipped to tackle cancer and provide much needed services to patients. In a nation where even palliative care is limited, the reality is that thousands will die a painful death.

The key elements when tackling cancer include addressing and eliminating as many influencing factors as possible, an increased screening and early detection, provision of adequate treatment and a community awareness-raising drive. Where none of these structures are systematically in place, the burden is then placed on palliative care.