Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Cervical cancer, despite being a preventable disease, is the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths for women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Rwanda, cervical cancer is the number one cause of cancer among women in Rwanda. Currently, there is a limited understanding of the social and financial consequences of cervical cancer treatment for women, their families, and treatment support persons (companions). These indirect impacts are important to understand because they can be used as evidence to expand support for women undergoing cervical cancer treatment in Rwanda and similar LMICs. The goal of this study is to understand the social and financial consequences of cervical cancer treatment for Rwandan women and the support persons who accompany them to treatment. The study will recruit 450 women undergoing cervical cancer treatment and 315 of their respective treatment companions from the three primary cancer clinics in Rwanda over a six-month period. A survey has been developed in collaboration with our research partners at the University of Rwanda. The survey includes questions about treatment-related costs, changes in employment, and household responsibilities. We will also review the patient's medical chart to verify their cancer history. Data will be collected by locally trained research assistants on electronic tablets The data will be analyzed to understand outcomes such as the financial burden of treatment and the number of days a woman's companion missed work to accompany her to treatment. The results of this study will be shared with local Rwandan policymakers who focus on cervical cancer prevention and treatment. This study will help identify and develop support needed for women and those in their social network impacted by cervical cancer in Rwanda and similar LMICs.