Palliative Care in Oncology in West African French-Speaking Countries: Current State

Abstract

I ntroduction : The majority of cancer patients in Africa are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. The clinical burden of cancer and the need for palliative care are evident, particularly in Francophone West Africa. What is the state of palliative care in oncology in this region? M ethod : Between October and December 2023, an anonymous and voluntary online questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms to physicians working in cancer care services. R esults : A total of 53 physicians participated in the survey, representing six countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Togo, Benin, and Senegal, with 69.8% being male. Medical oncology was the most common professional profile. Radiotherapy was available in all countries except Benin, and all six countries had medical oncology services. However, no country had a mobile palliative care unit, and only Senegal had a fixed palliative care unit. The availability and regulation of morphine distribution remain limited, with access to morphine deemed average. Furthermore, palliative care is poorly integrated into cancer control programs, and training in this area is considered essential. Approximately 50% of patients seen in consultation require palliative care. C onclusion : There exists a significant gap between the demand for and the provision of palliative care, and numerous challenges must be addressed.