Breast Cancer Care Barriers and Opportunities in Benin

Breast cancer stands as the most widespread form of cancer affecting women worldwide, with an escalating impact across African nations. In West Africa, and particularly in Benin, the field of oncology is still in its nascent stages, grappling with numerous systemic challenges. A groundbreaking qualitative study recently published in BMC Cancer sheds light on the multifaceted barriers and emerging opportunities relating to access to oncology care for breast cancer patients in this developing country. Unveiling a nuanced and intimate portrait of the healthcare landscape, this research provides critical insight into the realities faced by patients, caregivers, and policy advocates alike.

The study employs a qualitative methodology that meticulously captures the voices of those embedded within the oncology ecosystem. Researchers conducted 56 semi-structured interviews, engaging specialists providing cancer treatment, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and representatives from nongovernmental associations dedicated to cancer care. Supplementing these interviews was a substantial period of participant observation—18 consecutive days spent within the chemotherapy and palliative care units of a major hospital in Cotonou, the economic hub of Benin. This immersive approach enabled the research team to decipher not only statistical data but also the lived experiences and socio-cultural contexts influencing cancer treatment pathways.

One of the study’s stark revelations concerns the delays in diagnosing breast cancer, a critical juncture that significantly influences treatment outcomes. Women frequently experience late-stage diagnoses, which diminish the efficacy of available interventions and amplify mortality risk. This delay is compounded by a pervasive lack of accessible, accurate information about breast cancer symptoms and the benefits of early intervention. Misconceptions tied deeply to cultural beliefs often lead women to prioritize traditional medicine over surgical options, such as mastectomy, which remain stigmatized and feared. These socio-cultural dimensions critically shape health-seeking behaviors and can be formidable obstacles to timely medical care.

Infrastructure inadequacies further intensify the complexity of navigating oncology care in Benin. Specialized oncology services are heavily centralized in Cotonou; rural and inland populations must therefore undertake arduous and expensive journeys to reach treatment centers. This geographical bottleneck not only delays care but also places a significant financial burden on patients and their families. Notably, the absence of radiotherapy facilities within the country forces many individuals to seek treatment abroad—a daunting and often unattainable option, deepening disparities in care access.

In terms of human resources, the oncology workforce in Benin remains insufficient to meet the growing needs of breast cancer patients. The scarcity of specialized caregivers results in chaotic treatment pathways, with fragmented care coordination and inconsistent follow-up. This lack of trained professionals extends beyond clinical practice into oncology education and training, underscoring a critical area for systemic development. However, the study notes a positive trajectory, particularly the establishment in 2013 of the Inter-University Diploma in Gynaecological and Breast Oncology, aimed at equipping health professionals with vital expertise tailored to the regional context.

Economic barriers loom large in shaping healthcare engagement and outcomes. High costs associated with biomedical testing and treatments frequently precipitate the abandonment of care. Without comprehensive health financing mechanisms or widespread insurance coverage, patients bear the full brunt of these expenses. Consequently, financial constraints exacerbate health inequalities, with poorer populations bearing a disproportionate burden of inadequate treatment and poorer prognoses. The study emphasizes the urgent need to diversify and strengthen health financing systems to ensure more equitable access to oncology care.

Despite the weight of these challenges, optimism emerges from recent developments within Benin’s cancer care landscape. The expansion of palliative care services represents a critical advance, providing much-needed relief and support for patients with advanced disease who may no longer benefit from curative treatment. This compassionate approach underscores a holistic understanding of oncology that transcends clinical cure towards quality of life considerations.

Looking ahead, the inauguration of the Calavi International Hospital Centre scheduled for 2025 symbolizes a significant step in enhancing Benin’s oncology infrastructure. This new facility promises to decentralize care, expand service offerings, and potentially introduce radiotherapy treatment domestically. Such infrastructure investments are crucial to breaking the current cycle of healthcare centralization and enable the country to retain patients within its borders for comprehensive cancer treatment.

Notwithstanding this progress, broad systemic challenges remain. The persistent need for specialized training programs, sustainable health financing models, and comprehensive public education campaigns stands out as priorities. Furthermore, empowering civil society organizations emerges as a vital strategy to dismantle entrenched stigmas and misinformation surrounding breast cancer. These groups play a pivotal role in raising awareness, advocating for patient rights, and fostering community engagement in cancer prevention and care.

The study’s use of Levesque et al.’s theoretical framework on access to healthcare offers a robust analytical lens for understanding the interplay between supply-side factors (health system capabilities) and demand-side factors (patient behavior and socio-cultural influences). This dual perspective allows for a comprehensive examination of the multi-layered barriers hindering effective cancer care in Benin and provides a strategic roadmap for interventions.

Importantly, the research underscores that breast cancer care in Benin is not just a medical concern but a deeply social issue intertwined with cultural beliefs, economic realities, and institutional capacities. Addressing these layers requires cross-sectoral collaboration, integrating health policy, education, community engagement, and infrastructure development. The study’s findings provide a clarion call for coordinated efforts designed to dismantle existing barriers while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

Moreover, these findings have broader implications for many other low- and middle-income countries confronting similar challenges in oncology care. By articulating the experiences and systemic hurdles faced in Benin, the study contributes valuable insights to the global discourse on cancer care equity and universal health coverage. As international health bodies and local governments strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, such empirically grounded research is vital for informing policy and practice.

In conclusion, the journey toward timely, equitable, and high-quality breast cancer care in Benin is marked by significant obstacles but also by considerable promise. The collective commitment demonstrated by health professionals, policymakers, educators, and civil society groups offers hope that the country can transform its oncology landscape. As Benin embarks on this crucial path, continuous investment in human resources, infrastructure, health financing, and awareness-raising efforts will be essential to achieving sustainable progress and saving lives.

Subject of Research: Access to oncology care for breast cancer patients in Benin, focusing on barriers and opportunities to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Article Title: Barriers and opportunities related to access to oncology care in Benin: a qualitative study on breast cancer.

Article References:
Schantz, C., Gnangnon, F.H. ., Aboubakar, M. et al. Barriers and opportunities related to access to oncology care in Benin: a qualitative study on breast cancer. BMC Cancer 25, 947 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14325-3

Image Credits: Scienmag.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14325-3

Tags: barriers to oncology access in AfricaBreast cancer care in Benincommunity support for cancer patientshealthcare challenges in West Africahealthcare policy and breast canceroncology ecosystem in developing countriesopportunities for improving cancer carepalliative care in Beninpatient experiences in cancer carequalitative research on cancer treatmentsystemic issues in cancer treatmentwomen’s health and cancer in Africa