The Growing Challenge of Cervical Cancer in Africa

Cancer is becoming a bigger issue in Africa. By 2040, the number of new cancer cases is expected to rise by 37%, and deaths from cancer may increase by almost 40%. One type of cancer that is particularly concerning is Cervical Cancer, which is mostly preventable through vaccines and screening. In Africa, especially in sub-Saharan countries, Healthcare systems are struggling to keep up with the rising number of cancer cases. Most efforts have focused on treating cancer rather than preventing it.

#Reasons for Challenges in Cancer Care

Several factors contribute to the difficulties in cancer care across Africa. Many healthcare workers lack proper training, and there are few places where people can get diagnosed. Coordination among healthcare services is weak, and funding is often insufficient. This situation makes it hard for women to access quality cancer screenings and Treatments.

In sub-Saharan Africa, only a few countries offer universal healthcare. For example, Uganda eliminated user fees for healthcare in 2001, which led to more people seeking treatment. However, many still pay out of pocket for services. There is little research on how cancer affects the finances of individuals and families. Most current studies focus on small groups of women in rural areas.

#Economic Impact of Cervical Cancer Treatment

Understanding the economic effects of cancer treatment is crucial. These effects can be both direct, such as medical expenses, and indirect, like loss of income. A study from Eswatini found that losing a job due to cervical cancer is a significant financial burden. In Uganda, many women struggle with employment after being diagnosed with cancer. Moreover, women often handle more household duties than men, so a cancer diagnosis can affect their caregiving roles.

Currently, only two studies from lower-income countries provide a clearer picture of the costs related to cervical cancer treatment. Both studies focused on direct and indirect costs, but they were limited to two countries. One study showed that women in Ethiopia faced significant expenses for treatments and lost many working days. Another study from India supported these findings, highlighting the financial stress caused by cervical cancer.

#Importance of Research on Economic Burden

Quantifying the economic burden of cervical cancer is necessary. It can serve as evidence for investments in prevention programs. By expanding healthcare services, fewer women would develop cervical cancer, which would help reduce the financial burden. More research is needed in different countries to shed light on this issue. The goal of this analysis is to describe how cervical cancer treatment affects the financial well-being of women in Uganda, particularly considering their socio-Economic Status.

#Data Collection

This analysis is part of a broader study aimed at understanding the social and economic effects of cervical cancer on women and their families in Uganda. We recruited women between September 2022 and January 2023 from healthcare facilities in Kampala and Jinja. Trained oncology nurses gathered data through a 45-minute survey, which was conducted orally to include women who may not be literate.

To participate in the study, women had to be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with cervical cancer, receiving treatment, and able to provide consent in their preferred language.

#Survey Design

The survey included questions about out-of-pocket medical costs, which were informed by existing studies from Nepal and Uganda. Women were asked to report on medical care costs they paid from their own pockets, including treatments, transportation, and other expenses. Women also indicated if they had received any support for their treatment and if they reduced household spending to pay for it.

Additionally, the survey explored the impact on employment, asking if participants or their family members missed work due to treatment. Other questions focused on unpaid labor and how women’s responsibilities at home had changed since their diagnosis.

Demographic information was collected, including age, marital status, education, economic status, and occupation. This data was analyzed to see how socio-economic status influenced the economic effects of cervical cancer.

#Participants and Their Economic Status

The analysis included 155 women in a higher socio-economic status category and 183 in a lower socio-economic status group. Among those with lower socio-economic status, a higher percentage were widowed and had lower education levels compared to the higher socio-economic group. The stage of cancer diagnosis was also higher in the lower economic status group, likely due to less access to regular screenings.

#Out-of-pocket Costs and Financial Strain

Most women in both socio-economic groups reported paying out-of-pocket for at least one aspect of their medical care. The most common costs included x-rays, scans, and radiation. Many women indicated they spent between 500,001 to 2,000,000 UGX on treatment.

Over 90% of women in both groups reported paying for food and transportation costs linked to their care. However, only a small number reported stopping treatment due to costs. Women in the lower socio-economic group were more likely to borrow money or sell belongings to afford their treatment.

#Time Off Work and Unpaid Labor

The study found that women in the lower socio-economic group were more likely to take time off work for their treatment. A larger number of women from the higher socio-economic group had someone in their household take time off to help care for them, indicating that financial stability may allow families to support one another during treatment.

The results showed that women diagnosed with cervical cancer spent less time on childcare and supporting their children’s education since their diagnosis. This shift can have lasting effects on their families, as women are often the primary caregivers.

#Conclusion: A Need for Better Healthcare Solutions

This analysis reveals the heavy financial burden of cervical cancer treatment on women and their families. Despite government efforts to provide subsidized cancer care, many women still incur out-of-pocket costs, which can become a significant burden, especially for those in lower socio-economic groups.

There is an urgent need for improved healthcare financing in Uganda. The government could explore universal health insurance that adjusts premium levels based on income. This approach could help alleviate the costs of treatment for women undergoing cancer care.

Additionally, expanding community healthcare programs could reduce the financial strain on families. Increased access to screening services and education about cervical cancer could also lower the number of women affected by this disease. Overall, focusing on preventive measures can help reduce the economic impacts of cervical cancer on women and their families.