Cancer care in Guadeloupe faces doctor shortages

Hospitals in Guadeloupe have modern equipment for cancer treatment, but a shortage of doctors is causing delays in care. Some patients are traveling to the mainland for faster treatment because of these delays.

Lower survival rates in Guadeloupe

A February 2024 study by the National Cancer Institute (INCa) found that the five-year survival rate for cancer patients in Guadeloupe is generally lower than in the mainland. For seven of the ten cancers studied, the survival rate gap is significant, with uterine cancer showing a 20-point difference.

Fewer oncologists in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe has three times fewer oncologists per inhabitant than the mainland. Dr. Abdoul Djamal Moukaila from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) notes that the density of oncologists is 0.8 per 100,000 inhabitants in Guadeloupe, compared to 2.6 in the mainland.

Delays in care affect recovery

Delays in treatment caused by a lack of doctors reduce patients' chances of recovery. Carina Guillaume, who works with patients as a patient-partner, says that while the quality of care is good, the lack of doctors can be fatal in cancer cases.

High prostate cancer rates

Guadeloupe has one of the highest prostate cancer rates in the world, with about 500 new cases per year. Professor Laurent Brureau, a urologist at the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Guadeloupe, highlights this as a major concern.

Patient experiences reveal system issues

Victor, a patient who traveled to Paris for faster testing, said the current CHU in Guadeloupe is outdated, with recent reports of rats in the operating room. He also mentioned that he is lucky to afford the travel and has family to host him.

Delays linked to staffing and trust

Doctors say the lack of staff is a real problem. Professor Olivier Parant, a gynecologist at the CHU, notes that while equipment and treatments match the mainland, delays can reach several weeks. Late screenings are sometimes due to distrust of the hospital or the use of traditional medicine.

Efforts to attract new doctors

Health authorities are trying to attract new doctors by offering bonuses and relying on the new CHU. Dr. Moukaila acknowledges the difficulty in recruitment, which affects the entire region.

New hospital brings hope

The opening of a new hospital in Guadeloupe has generated hope. The radiotherapy oncology unit, directed by Dr. Florence Sacino, has moved there with more modern facilities and equipment, allowing for shorter treatments and more patients to be treated.

Local training for future doctors

Medical students can now complete their studies locally until the end of their sixth year. The first cohort has just finished their studies, but Professor Parant fears they may leave Guadeloupe for better salaries or working conditions.