Cancer Rehabilitation Educational Needs of African Physicians

Abstract Purpose of Review This review examines the growing cancer burden across Africa, focusing on the unmet needs in cancer rehabilitation and physician education. The aim is to identify key barriers, evaluate recent interventions, and highlight strategies for improving survivor outcomes through rehabilitation-oriented care. Recent Findings Recent research reveals an alarming increase in cancer cases and growing population of survivors who experience high rates of disability in Africa, with substantial disparities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care compared to high-income regions. Advances in community-oriented care, digital health solutions, and regional training programs show early promise in bridging critical care and workforce gaps. However, data highlight significant educational deficits among oncologists and rehabilitation providers, and a lack of integration of rehabilitation services into cancer control plans. Summary Integrating rehabilitation into national cancer strategies, expanding competency-based physician training, and scaling up digital and community-focused care models are essential to address Africa’s cancer survivorship crisis. A coordinated, evidence-driven approach can improve long-term functional outcomes and quality of life for millions of African cancer survivors, setting new priorities for research and health policy.