Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with barriers to timely diagnosis and effective treatment affecting thousands of patients each year. With approximately 124,815 new cancer cases annually and over 72,000 cancer-related deaths, experts emphasize the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve patient care and reduce mortality rates.
One emerging approach that has gained global traction is the use of Remote Symptom Monitoring (RSM) and electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePRO) platforms as digital health tools that allow cancer patients to track symptoms, report treatment side effects, and receive timely interventions from clinicians.
Sandra Olisakwe, a clinical data analyst and researcher specializing in digital oncology solutions, is at the forefront of advocating for RSM and ePRO adoption in Nigeria’s healthcare system. She believes these technologies could revolutionize cancer care, particularly for patients in rural and underserved areas where access to oncologists is limited.
“Remote Symptom Monitoring (RSM) involves using digital tools to track and manage patients’ symptoms outside of hospital settings,” explains Olisakwe. “ePRO platforms allow patients to report their symptoms, treatment side effects, and overall well-being in real-time using mobile apps, web portals, or SMS-based systems. This data enables clinicians to provide timely interventions, reducing the risk of complications.”
Bridging the Gap for Rural Cancer Patients
One of the biggest obstacles in Nigeria’s cancer care system is limited access to oncologists and specialized care centers, especially for patients in remote regions. Many individuals struggle with transportation costs and delayed symptom management, leading to preventable complications that worsen their prognosis.
According to Olisakwe, RSM and ePRO platforms could significantly bridge this gap by allowing patients to report their symptoms remotely.
“For example, if a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy in a rural area reports severe nausea or signs of infection via an ePRO app, their oncologist in Lagos or Abuja can review the data in real- time and adjust their medication, provide guidance, or recommend an urgent hospital visit if needed,” Olisakwe explains. “This minimizes unnecessary hospital trips while ensuring that critical symptoms are not ignored.”
By leveraging real-time patient-reported data, doctors can intervene earlier, reducing hospital admissions and improving overall treatment adherence.
Key Benefits of Digital Health Solutions in Cancer Care
Olisakwe highlights several advantages of integrating RSM and ePRO platforms into Nigeria’s
healthcare system:
- Early Detection of Treatment Side Effects – Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation often experience severe side effects. ePRO platforms enable real-time symptom tracking, allowing clinicians to step in sooner before complications escalate.
- Reduced Hospital Burden C Costs – Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals are often overwhelmed with patients. Implementing RSM systems can decrease unnecessary hospital visits, ensuring that in-person resources are allocated to those in urgent need.
- Improved Patient Engagement C Adherence – Cancer treatment requires strict adherence to therapy schedules. ePRO apps can send reminders and educational prompts, helping patients remain engaged in their care plans.
- Data-Driven Decision Making – ePRO systems collect valuable data that oncologists can use to personalize treatment plans and inform national cancer control strategies.
- Increased Access for Rural Patients – Many Nigerian cancer patients face significant financial and logistical challenges when traveling to hospitals. RSM technology allows healthcare providers to conduct virtual assessments, reducing the burden on patients and their families.
Barriers to Implementation and the Path Forward
Despite the promise of digital oncology solutions, several challenges must be addressed before RSM and ePRO platforms can be widely adopted in Nigeria.
“The biggest hurdles are poor digital infrastructure, limited internet access, and the need for
clinician training,” notes Olisakwe. “Many healthcare providers in Nigeria are unfamiliar with digital symptom monitoring, and patients, especially older adults may struggle with digital tools.”
Other key challenges that need to be addressed include data security C privacy, funding C policy support, and limited digital literacy. To overcome these challenges, Olisakwe emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships between government agencies, healthcare providers, and private-sector tech innovators.
“Collaborations with telecom companies and health technology firms could drive affordable, large- scale deployment of ePRO systems,” she suggests. “Additionally, incorporating RSM and ePRO platforms into Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan would encourage hospitals and clinics to adopt these life-saving technologies.”
“I see a future where cancer care in Nigeria is proactive rather than reactive,” she says. “With real- time symptom tracking, patients won’t have to suffer in silence or wait for a crisis before receiving care. Nigerian oncologists will have access to rich, patient-driven data to personalize treatments, and hospitals will operate more efficiently.”
Most importantly, she believes these technologies could save lives by ensuring that patients receive timely interventions, significantly reducing preventable cancer complications.
“Digital health is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Olisakwe asserts. “If we act now, we can build a future where no Nigerian cancer patient is left without timely care, no matter where they live.”