Mapping Behavioral Research in Post-Treatment Cancer Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Objective: This scoping review explores the multifaceted experience of cancer survivorship in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with a focus on the post-treatment phase. The primary objective is to examine the psychosocial, cultural, and economic factors that influence post-treatment survivorship care and outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Web of Science Core Collection to identify studies published between 2000 and 2023. Eligible studies focused on post-treatment cancer survivorship in SSA. Data were extracted, analyzed, and synthesized to identify key themes and research gaps.

Results: The review identified substantial psychological distress among survivors, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, often exacerbated by financial toxicity and limited access to psychosocial support services. Cultural factors, such as spiritual beliefs, reliance on traditional healers, and cancer-related stigma, influenced healthcare-seeking behaviors and overall well-being. Despite these challenges, social support networks, religiosity, and targeted psychosocial interventions improved emotional resilience and quality of life. However, major gaps remain, including insufficient integration of cultural beliefs into survivorship care, inadequate long-term follow-up (LTFU) programs, limited oncofertility support, and a lack of regionally diverse and longitudinal data.

Conclusions: Cancer survivorship in SSA is shaped by intricate psychosocial, cultural, and economic dynamics that extend beyond clinical care. Addressing these challenges requires culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions, including financial counseling, spiritual care integration, and the establishment of structured LTFU programs. Additionally, expanding access to oncofertility support and integrating culturally relevant psychosocial services can further enhance survivorship outcomes. Strengthening collaboration between policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers-through interdisciplinary task forces, psycho-oncology workforce development, and community-driven initiatives-is essential for improving post-treatment outcomes and advancing cancer survivorship care in SSA.