# "Enhancing Cancer Research in Central Africa IeDEA"

> **NIH NIH U01** · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $307,743

## Abstract

Title: Barriers and facilitators of cancer care and financial burden of cancer care in Kinshasa, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo
ABSTRACT
Growing cancer morbidity and mortality is a major public health problem globally, which disproportionality
affects low- and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, cancer incidence has doubled in the past
30 years. Most cancer patients in SSA present at an advanced stage of disease, impacting prognosis and
survival, which may be attributed to significant barriers to access care. HIV and cancer comorbidity is
significant and people living with HIV are less likely to access cancer care. High poverty rates in SSA
countries exacerbate multiple barriers to HIV and cancer care. In most countries, cancer management is
not included in the core health services and most cancer care expenses are paid for out of pocket. To
better understand barriers to and facilitators of cancer care in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
financial burden of cancer care and its impact, we leverage the Central Africa International Epidemiology
databases to Evaluate AIDS infrastructures and the ongoing collaboration between Montefiore Einstein
Comprehensive Cancer Center and the DRC’s National Cancer Program (CNLC). Using a mixed method
design, we will collect qualitative data from stakeholders and cancer patients to identify factors associated
with access to and adherence to cancer care and the economic burden of care for patients living with and
without HIV (Aim 1). We will use cognitive interviewing to adapt and validate widely used cost assessment
and quality of life tools for use in Kinshasa. We will use the adapted measures to survey 300 cancer
patients in Kinshasa to determine the financial burden of cancer care and assess its impact on completion
of cancer care cascade and quality of life (Aim 2). The results of this study can have a significant public
health impact in both the DRC and other low-income SSA countries with growing cancer incidence. CNLC
in close coordination with the DRC government is launching a major effort to scale up cancer care in the
DRC and establish new cancer centers. Our results will inform and strengthen this ongoing effort by
providing data to stakeholders to inform optimal design of care and better targeting for equity.
Title: Leveraging Existing Infrastructures and Expertise to Enhance Cancer Control in sub-Saharan
Africa
ABSTRACT
As part of the global socioeconomic transition, many low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) are
witnessing a shift in cancer profiles, influenced by the adoption of Westernized diets and lifestyles similar to
those seen in high-income nations. While high-income countries have robust cancer surveillance systems,
reliable cancer data is scarce in sub-Saharan Africa, hindering comprehensive understanding of the
disease burden and international comparisons. Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) are crucial
tools for gathering this critical information. This su...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11087243
- **Project number:** 3U01AI096299-16S1
- **Recipient organization:** ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Kathryn M. Anastos
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $307,743
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2011-07-15 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11087243

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11087243, "Enhancing Cancer Research in Central Africa IeDEA" (3U01AI096299-16S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11087243. Licensed CC0.

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