Group, others to bridge gender disparities in oncology practice

The City Cancer Challenge Foundation (CCan) in collaboration with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has launched the second cohort of its Leadership Programme for Women in Oncology (LPWO) to address gender disparities in oncology.

The programme empowers mid-career women to assume leadership roles and drive improvements in cancer care policies and practices. Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICS) face systemic inequities in cancer care, often exacerbated by a lack of representation in leadership roles. LPWO addresses these gaps by empowering women oncologists to lead transformative change.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Abuja, the Regional Director for Africa and Europe at C/Can, Mrs Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo, said though women account for over 70 per cent of the global healthcare workforce, they hold only 25 per cent of leadership positions.

Bussmann-Kemdjo explained that the leadership programme signifies the group’s commitment to bridging the gap and creating an environment where women in oncology can thrive.

She observed that the programme responds to findings from The Lancet Commission on Gender, Sex, and Women, which emphasises the urgent need to address gender gaps in healthcare leadership.

Bussmann-Kemdjo said the programme is a pioneering initiative that equips participants with leadership skills and strategies to transform cancer care in resource-limited settings.

She explained that participants will engage in a two-year program that combines virtual sessions, leadership role-play, and mentorship. The cohort includes nine women from Nairobi, Kumasi, Arequipa, and Abuja.

Bussmann-Kemdjo stated that through mentorship and tailored training, the programme helps women build the confidence and leadership skills necessary to drive change. It also inspires more women to enter the oncology field, mentor others, and influence policy with a gender-sensitive perspective.

Also speaking, the Head of the National Cancer Control and Nuclear Medicine Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Uchechukwu Nwokwu, said that Nigeria is making giant strides in advancing women’s leadership in cancer care.

He said programmes like the Cancer Health Fund, which provides free treatment for breast and cervical cancer coupled with the government focus on gender-sensitive policies, demonstrate the country’s commitment to improving outcomes for women.

Also, the Country General Manager, Roche Nigeria, Dr Ladi Hameed, highlighted the importance of global collaborations in achieving sustainable cancer care.
“Our goal is to ensure that cancer outcomes in Nigeria match those of developed countries.” Supporting women’s leadership in oncology is a vital step toward achieving this,” he added.