Mapping the Cancer Survivorship Landscape in West Africa: A Narrative Review of Challenges, Care Models and Policy Implications

Cancer survivorship in West Africa remains critically under-examined in the peer-reviewed literature, despite growing cancer incidence and improved survival across the region. Survivors face complex, multidimensional challenges that extend far beyond what is perceived. This narrative review synthesizes available evidence from West African countries to characterize the lived experiences of cancer survivors within the unique cultural, social, and health system context of the region. We utilized literature available in databases such as PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and others to access the landscape of cancer survivorship in West Africa. Persistent physical sequelae such as pain, fatigue, and sexual health complications are widespread yet frequently undertreated due to limited rehabilitation and supportive care infrastructure. Financial toxicity, stigma, and inadequate psychosocial services further exacerbate emotional and functional distress. Spirituality plays a central role in coping and meaning-making, offering resilience for many survivors, yet may inadvertently delay timely biomedical and supportive care engagement. Weak health system capacity, shortages of trained personnel, and competing clinical demands contribute to the low prioritization of survivorship and rehabilitation services. Effective survivorship care in West Africa will require the integration of clinically grounded, socially informed, and culturally responsive approaches, including attention to psychosocial and spiritual dimensions of care. We advocate for a patient-centered, multi-sectoral strategy that involves survivors, advocates, clinicians, researchers, health system leaders, spiritual care providers, and policymakers. Such coordinated efforts are essential to reduce survivorship-related morbidity, address quality-of-life disparities, and strengthen the overall well-being of cancer survivors in West Africa.