The Vital role of Cancer Registries in Cancer Control Program; Wake-up Call for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background: Cancer registry is an essential part of a balanced cancer control program that enables efficient  planning and  implementation of control program. Included as part of the resolution of World Health Assembly is  a responsibility of Member States to  establish population-based cancer registries. Africa particularly has sparse  population-based cancer registration coverage. This paper  aims to highlight cancer registries and the unique role  it plays in cancer control and research, drawing attention to the need for an  improved cancer registration in  countries of Africa.

Methods: Relevant published literature on cancer registries in the past two decades were reviewed using different  search methods. 

Results: Cancer registration is essential for cancer control. It is cost-effective and assists countries of the world  in setting priorities by  identifying cancers with the highest burden, planning for emerging trends, focusing research  where it is needed and allocating  resources. Population-based cancer registries (PBCR) are the best option to  measure and understand the cancer burden in the country  by providing regional peculiarities and national  estimates.

Conclusion: Countries in sub-Saharan Africa need a working cancer control  program to help battle the ever increasing burden of cancer. Establishing and maintaining a population-based cancer registry is feasible  in all  populations, even in low-resource settings, as well as improving both the quantity and quality, particularly in sub Saharan Africa. It  is critical for ensuring that cancer prevention and control interventions are making progress.