Shortage of oncology nurses threatens cancer care delivery in Nigeria

The nursing professionals in Nigeria have called for enhanced welfare, enhanced training prospects, and increased involvement in health sector decision-making processes. They expressed concern over the shortage of oncology nurses, which is adversely affecting cancer care in Nigeria. The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) reported that the nation records between 102,000 to 127,763 new cancer cases and 72,000 to 79,542 cancer-related deaths annually.

However, the country lacks sufficient specialists to meet the rising demand for cancer care, and the migration of trained nurses to other countries has exacerbated the situation.

Professor Khadijat Musah, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences at the Federal University Otuoke in Bayelsa State, estimated that Nigeria has approximately 300 oncology nurses. She expressed concern over the migration of trained nurses and urged the government to improve their welfare. Musah mentioned that only two institutions in Nigeria train oncology nurses, each admitting up to 50 candidates based on available resources and capacity.

She also noted that some universities have introduced postgraduate programs in oncology nursing, including masters and doctoral degrees.

An oncology nurse, Ann Joachim, described the shortage of trained specialists as a major challenge. She emphasized that nurses are not adequately rewarded for their specialized skills and face occupational risks associated with cancer care. Despite these challenges, Joachim encouraged young nurses to specialize in oncology. "I will advise them to come into the profession. If not for anything, for the love, for the compassion, for the ability to participate in curtailing this disease called cancer," she said.

Fatima Adam, Vice-President of the Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria, highlighted the critical role oncology nurses play in cancer treatment. She stated that no multidisciplinary cancer care team is complete without an oncology nurse who is always at the patient's bedside 24/7. Adam also advocated for early exposure of nursing students to oncology to encourage more young professionals to specialize in the field. "Catch them young," she said.

Nanre Mampak, an oncology nurse and educator with over 20 years of experience, called for nurses to be fully included in decisions affecting healthcare delivery. "People who know nothing about nurses go to take decisions and ask nurses to implement. My advice for the Nigerian government is that let us make nurses fully inclusive in decision-making in the health sector," she said.