Abstract 88: Mapping of Digital Resources Adopted in Cervical Cancer Programs in Africa

Abstract Purpose: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health burden in Africa, with high incidence and mortality rates. Digital health tools offer promising solutions to enhance cervical cancer care across the continuum, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aims to identify and map existing digital health tools for cervical cancer management in Sub-Saharan Africa, evaluate their integration within healthcare systems, and highlight gaps and opportunities for improved coordination and implementation. Methods: A scoping review and mapping exercise were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature published from 2000 to August 2023 was systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included those reporting the implementation of digital health interventions for cervical cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa. Concurrently, a survey was distributed to 56 organizations, documenting their digital health initiatives. Data were analyzed descriptively, focusing on tool type, functionality, target users, and challenges such as fragmentation and lack of integration. Results: The scoping review included 58 studies from 15 countries, predominantly in Eastern and Southern Africa. The most utilized digital tools were mobile health platforms and telemedicine applications, with a focus on awareness, screening, and diagnostics. However, fewer tools addressed treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. The survey captured 28 projects across 18 countries, with mobile health applications, electronic medical records, and decision-support systems being the most common. Integration of digital tools into existing healthcare systems was observed in 46% of studies, while collaboration was highlighted in 48%. Challenges included resource duplication, fragmentation of services, and limited private-sector involvement. Conclusion: Digital health tools in Sub-Saharan Africa show potential to address cervical cancer’s burden, but gaps in coordination and equitable deployment persist. Improved integration, standardization, and private-sector engagement could enhance their impact. This study underscores the need for sustained investment and collaboration to advance digital innovations for cervical cancer care in Africa. Citation Format: Phoebe Ongadi. Mapping of Digital Resources Adopted in Cervical Cancer Programs in Africa [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 88.

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Journal
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention
Published
2025-12-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7755.asgcr25-abstract-88
Primary Topic
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
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article
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article

Abstract 88: Mapping of Digital Resources Adopted in Cervical Cancer Programs in Africa

Phoebe Ongadi
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
article

Abstract 88: Mapping of Digital Resources Adopted in Cervical Cancer Programs in Africa

Phoebe Ongadi
article en

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health burden in Africa, with high incidence and mortality rates. Digital health tools offer promising solutions to enhance cervical cancer care across the continuum, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aims to identify and map existing digital health tools for cervical cancer management in Sub-Saharan Africa, evaluate their integration within healthcare systems, and highlight gaps and opportunities for improved coordination and implementation. Methods: A scoping review and mapping exercise were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature published from 2000 to August 2023 was systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included those reporting the implementation of digital health interventions for cervical cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa. Concurrently, a survey was distributed to 56 organizations, documenting their digital health initiatives. Data were analyzed descriptively, focusing on tool type, functionality, target users, and challenges such as fragmentation and lack of integration. Results: The scoping review included 58 studies from 15 countries, predominantly in Eastern and Southern Africa. The most utilized digital tools were mobile health platforms and telemedicine applications, with a focus on awareness, screening, and diagnostics. However, fewer tools addressed treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. The survey captured 28 projects across 18 countries, with mobile health applications, electronic medical records, and decision-support systems being the most common. Integration of digital tools into existing healthcare systems was observed in 46% of studies, while collaboration was highlighted in 48%. Challenges included resource duplication, fragmentation of services, and limited private-sector involvement. Conclusion: Digital health tools in Sub-Saharan Africa show potential to address cervical cancer’s burden, but gaps in coordination and equitable deployment persist. Improved integration, standardization, and private-sector engagement could enhance their impact. This study underscores the need for sustained investment and collaboration to advance digital innovations for cervical cancer care in Africa. Citation Format: Phoebe Ongadi. Mapping of Digital Resources Adopted in Cervical Cancer Programs in Africa [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 88.

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & PreventionVol. 34(12_Supplement)
The Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network (KE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 46%
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
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