Research Article

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

Samuel A. Otene1*, Victor E. Ekpo2, Maryann E. Ekpo2
1 Federal University of Health Science, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria.
2 ASI Ukpo Cancer Centre, Calabar, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: sammy4ng@yahoo.com
Published: Jul, 2025
DOI: 10.67579/njo.2025.6gkns10p
Pages: 208-219
Views: 300
Downloads: 128

Abstract

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>


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.


Keywords

Access to radiotherapy barriers to cancer care in LMICs global health Radiotherapy services.

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How to Cite

Otene, S. A., Ekpo, V. E., & Ekpo, M. E. (2025). EVALUATING ACCESS TO RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS BY NON-ONCOLOGY DOCTORS IN NIGERIA. Nigerian Journal of Oncology, 1(2), 208-219. https://doi.org/10.67579/njo.2025.6gkns10p

S. A. Otene, V. E. Ekpo, and M. E. Ekpo, "EVALUATING ACCESS TO RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS BY NON-ONCOLOGY DOCTORS IN NIGERIA," Nigerian Journal of Oncology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 208-219, July 2025. doi: 10.67579/njo.2025.6gkns10p

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