Knapp GC, Tansley G, et al. J Global Oncol. 2019;070.073.161.098
PURPOSE
To address the increasing burden of cancer in Nigeria, the National Cancer Control Plan outlines the development of 8 public comprehensive cancer centers. We map population-level geospatial access to these eight centers and explore equity of access and the impact of future development.
METHODS
Geospatial methods were used to estimate population-level travel times to the 8 cancer centers. A cost distance model was built using open source road infrastructure data with verified speed limits. Geolocated population estimates were amalgamated with this model to calculate travel times to cancer centers at a national and regional level for both the entire population and the population living on < US$2 per day.
RESULTS
Overall, 68.9% of Nigerians have access to a comprehensive cancer center at 4 hours of continuous vehicular travel. However, there is significant variability in access between geopolitical zones (P < .001). The North East has the lowest access at 4 hours (31.4%) and the highest mean travel times (268 minutes).