Childhood Cancer Survivorship in Cameroon: A Pilot Study at Mbingo Baptist Hospital Demonstrates the Need for Structured Survivorship Follow-Up and Support Services.

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survival is improving in low-resource settings, but long-term outcomes remain poorly described.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 172 survivors diagnosed before age 18 and treated between 2000 and 2020 at Mbingo Baptist Hospital was conducted. Questionnaires assessed education, stigma, disability, fertility, and perceived burden. A six-domain composite QoL index was analysed, and logistic regression identified predictors of poor outcomes.

RESULTS

PARTICIPANTS

were predominantly Burkitt lymphoma survivors (82.6%), with a median age of 18.8 years and 9-year survivorship. While 68.6% resumed schooling, one-third did not. Disabilities affected 20.9%, and 38.4% felt like a burden. QoL was moderate in 61.6% and low in 7.6%. Older age at treatment predicted poorer QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors face persistent educational and psychosocial challenges. Structured survivorship programmes integrating counselling, rehabilitation, and social reintegration are needed.