An expert, Runcie Chidebe, has called for the adequate recruitment of psychologists in hospitals to combat the menace of cancer. He urged critical stakeholders across Nigeria and Africa to collaborate in addressing this health challenge. Speaking during a Saturday webinar, the cancer‑control advocate emphasized that government, agencies, and private‑sector actors must join forces to tackle cancer issues in society.
Chidebe highlighted the need for psychologists who can relate to cancer patients from a “mirror perspective”—experts who understand the disease as if it affected them personally. “We can publish all sorts of research, but to translate these findings into practice we must make them understandable to patients,” he said. He lamented that only a few hospitals in Nigeria prioritize hiring psychologists. “If we look across Africa, you would be shocked to learn that fewer than 100 centres have adequate psychologists,” he noted.
The expert also stressed the importance of cancer support groups. Every patient needs such a group, he argued, because while doctors and consultants provide medical advice, they have never experienced cancer themselves. “Doctors need to build confidence in patients and enable peer support,” Chidebe added.
Regarding sustainable collaboration, Chidebe said African countries should find it easy to work together. “We have many private‑sector investments that need encouragement now. This collaboration will strengthen the private sector,” he explained. He noted that those running private cancer centres are not motivated by profit but by the need to fill existing gaps.
Another topic under the theme “Breaking the Bad News” was how the manner of delivering information to cancer patients can affect their emotions. The programme was moderated by Professor Ifeoma Okoye, a radiology professor at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Among the other experts present was Dr Denise Ejoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Cormode Cancer Foundation, a non‑governmental organization championing cancer awareness.
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