WOCACA laments delays in cancer diagnosis, drug shortages in public hospitals: “The problems are putting women at risk”

By Watipaso Mzungu

As the global community commemorates this year’s World Patient Safety Day today, the Women’s Coalition Against Cancer (WOCACA) has lamented that delays in diagnosis, treatment and access to medicines are putting women living with cancer at risk, calling for safe, timely and respectful care for all.

In a statement ahead of the day — commemorated globally on September 17 under the theme “Safe care for non-communicable diseases” and slogan “Safe care for life!” — WOCACA Executive Director Maud Mwakasungula warned that challenges are greater for women in rural and underserved communities.

“For many women, the cancer journey can involve delays in diagnosis, referrals, treatment, access to medicines, follow-up and psychosocial support,” Mwakasungula said.

She emphasized the need for patient safety to begin with early recognition and diagnosis and continue through referral, treatment, follow-up, rehabilitation and palliative care, with women being listened to and involved in decisions about their care.

While recognizing efforts by Government, Ministry of Health, WHO, health workers and partners, WOCACA says more needs to be done to improve screening, diagnostic services, essential medicines and equipment, referral systems, trained health workers, pain management and psychosocial support.

The coalition has since called for early detection and timely diagnosis of cancer and other NCDs; availability of essential cancer medicines, equipment and diagnostics.

It has also called for respectful, patient-centred care; greater involvement of patients in decisions about their care; improved psychosocial and palliative care, especially for rural women; and increased financing for cancer and other NCD programmes.

“Safe care for women. Safe care for cancer patients. Safe care for life!” Mwakasungula said, urging government, health workers, communities and development partners to strengthen partnerships to ensure every woman and girl affected by cancer receives safe, timely and quality care.

WOCACA, established in 2013, complements government efforts in preventing and controlling cancer and other NCDs with focus on women, girls and underserved communities.