Why cancer support groups are essential to care in Nigeria and LMICs
Runcie C.W. Chidebe, Executive Director of Project PINK BLUE, recently highlighted a growing recognition among health advocates: cancer support groups are not a luxury but a cornerstone of comprehensive cancer care in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In settings where healthcare resources are stretched, peer-led communities provide emotional resilience, practical guidance, and a voice for patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Support groups create a space where people affected by cancer can share experiences, exchange information, and learn from others who have walked similar paths. This peer connection often fills gaps left by clinical care alone, addressing the psychosocial dimensions of cancer that can influence treatment adherence, quality of life, and mental well-being. When people know they are not alone, they are more likely to stay engaged in care, report side effects promptly, and access essential services such as nutrition, palliative care, and financial counseling.
Evidence from Nigeria and LMICs
In many LMICs, health systems face shortages of specialists, limited diagnostic tools, and high out-of-pocket costs. Cancer support groups step in by providing culturally relevant information about treatment options, cultural beliefs, and local resources. They also advocate for patient rights, reduced stigma, and improved access to screening and early detection. In Nigeria, grassroots networks and nonprofit organizations partnering with hospitals have demonstrated measurable benefits: increased patient satisfaction, better symptom management, and a stronger link between communities and healthcare teams.
While clinical care remains essential, the social dimensions of support groups help bridge gaps between clinic visits. Trained facilitators—often nurses, social workers, or experienced survivors—guide discussions on coping strategies, nutrition, medication management, and financial aid programs. Such programs can alleviate fear, reduce isolation, and empower patients to participate actively in decision-making about their treatment plans.
What these groups offer to patients and families
Key benefits of cancer support groups include emotional support, practical guidance, and access to information beyond hospital walls. Members learn about managing common treatment side effects, locating transportation assistance, navigating insurance or subsidy programs, and connecting with palliative and survivorship services. For families, groups provide a forum to share caregiving responsibilities, discuss end-of-life planning, and find stress-relief resources.
In LMICs, where stigma and misinformation can hinder timely care, peer networks also serve as credible sources of information. They help correct myths, encourage early presentation, and promote adherence to prescribed therapies. These communities often act as catalysts for community education campaigns, mass screening events, and local fundraising efforts that strengthen the broader cancer care ecosystem.
Action steps for healthcare systems
To maximize impact, health systems should integrate cancer support groups into standard care. This can include training for facilitators, official recognition within hospital programs, and referral pathways from clinicians. Securing sustainable funding, creating multilingual resources, and leveraging mobile health platforms can broaden reach in Nigeria and other LMICs. Partnerships with academic institutions, patient advocacy groups, and international organizations can amplify impact and ensure quality standards.
Policymakers and leaders like Runcie C.W. Chidebe and partners at Project PINK BLUE emphasize patient-centered care that respects cultural contexts and local constraints. By embedding peer support within the care continuum, health systems can improve outcomes, reduce caregiver burden, and foster communities where hope and practical help are always within reach.
Conclusion
Cancer support groups are not a supplementary feature but an integral element of holistic cancer care in Nigeria and LMICs. They empower patients, support families, and strengthen health systems by complementing clinical treatment with lived experience, practical resources, and community resilience. As the sector grows and evolves, sustained investment in these peer networks will be essential to advancing equitable cancer care globally.
