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Breast Cancer Treatment in Resource Constrained Countries: a Zimbabwean Perspective

  • Global Breast Cancer (AB Chagpar, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Breast Cancer Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Breast cancer is becoming a significant burden to the healthcare system in Zimbabwe. The financial toxicity of breast cancer treatment is a significant problem for patients even in the developed world. This review looks at the management of breast cancer patients in Zimbabwe relating it to the other developed nations.

Recent Findings

Despite the tremendous progress made by science in the care of women with breast cancer over the past few decades, most of the women in Zimbabwe are yet to benefit from this progress. There is poor access to modern screening methods, quality chemotherapy drugs and reliable radiotherapy services and lack of evidence-based medicine derived from our own settings. Out-of-pocket payments for healthcare are still the major health-funding model, and it denies most women access to quality and appropriate healthcare services.

Summary

An increase in the number of medical specialists treating breast cancer over the past 10 years has resulted in a slight improvement in diagnostic and treatment capability of the country; however, resources for breast cancer management in Zimbabwe remain far from being adequate. Universal health coverage (UHC) if achieved through the drive to attain the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will improve care for breast cancer patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiotherapy and Oncology, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Webster Kadzatsa

  2. Radiotherapy Centre, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Sandra Ndarukwa-Jambwa

Authors
  1. Webster Kadzatsa
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Correspondence to Webster Kadzatsa.

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Kadzatsa, W., Ndarukwa-Jambwa, S. Breast Cancer Treatment in Resource Constrained Countries: a Zimbabwean Perspective. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 11, 170–174 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-019-00323-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-019-00323-5

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