EVALUATING ACCESS TO RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS BY NON-ONCOLOGY DOCTORS IN NIGERIA

Background: Radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary management of cancer, yet access to Radiation Oncologists (ROs) in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, remains a challenge. While much attention has been paid to infrastructure and equipment deficits, the ease with which non-oncology physicians can access ROs is underexplored.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the ease of access to Radiation Oncologists by non-oncology physicians in Nigeria and to identify the key factors - such as prior oncology training, frequency of cancer patient encounters, and years of clinical practice - that influence this access.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and July 2024 among 1,300 non-oncology doctors across Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire disseminated both physically and online. The survey assessed ease of access to ROs, frequency of cancer patient encounters, oncology training, and years of clinical experience. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, with chi-square tests employed to determine associations.

Results: Over one-third (37%) of respondents reported difficulty accessing ROs, while 20% had never attempted to reach one. Doctors who had seen more than 10 cancer patients in the previous month were more likely to access ROs easily (p < 0.001). Prior oncology training was significantly associated with improved access; respondents without such training were more than twice as likely to have never contacted an RO. No significant association was found between years of clinical practice and ease of access.

Conclusion: A considerable proportion of non-oncology physicians in Nigeria experience difficulty accessing ROs, particularly those without oncology training or limited exposure to cancer patients. To bridge this gap, oncology education should be integrated into medical curricula and continuous medical education (CME) programs, alongside the development of structured referral pathways to foster multidisciplinary cancer care.