Medical experts, oncologists, and public health advocates have placed a renewed spotlight on the importance of psycho-sexual therapy in gynaecological cancer recovery, urging a more holistic approach to survivorship.
This was part of the focus during the 3rd Brachytherapy Summit hosted by the MEDSERVE-LUTH Cancer Centre (MLCC), where key stakeholders from teaching hospitals across Nigeria convened to address critical gaps in cancer care and champion innovations that enhance quality of life after treatment.
The summit explored the need to improve access to brachytherapy, a proven internal radiation treatment effective in managing cervical and other gynaecological cancers. But beyond technical treatment, this year’s gathering brought the emotional and intimate aftermath of cancer into sharp focus.
With the subtheme, “Enhancing Survivorship Care: Integrating Psycho-Sexual Therapy for Gynaecological Cancer Survivors,” the discussion framed survivorship not simply as life after treatment, but as an ongoing journey that must include attention to emotional, sexual, and psychological well-being. Experts argued that these aspects, often overlooked in mainstream oncology, are essential for helping survivors reclaim their lives and identities post-treatment.
Chief Clinical Coordinator of MLCC, Dr. Muhammad Habeeb,u challenged participants to see survivorship care as a central pillar of clinical excellence. He emphasised that innovation must translate into life-saving solutions, collaboration must yield tangible outcomes, and skill development must be continuous, particularly in areas that directly impact patients’ quality of life.
The summit was built on recent capacity-building efforts, including a 3D brachytherapy training session conducted at MLCC. The organisers noted that the training aimed to strengthen local expertise and offer clinicians practical tools to improve outcomes. However, they also emphasised that technological advances must go hand in hand with psychosocial support systems to serve patients truly.
Consultant Clinical and Radiation Oncologist and Head of the Brachytherapy Unit at MLCC, described the summit as a defining moment for cancer care in Nigeria. She pointed out that integrating psycho-sexual therapy into survivorship care is not just progressive but necessary, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where survivors often struggle with stigma, silence, and limited access to post-treatment support.
While the summit acknowledged the structural challenges, such as limited infrastructure, equipment shortages, and policy gaps, they agreed that embracing psycho-sexual support could redefine cancer recovery for women.
