BACKGROUND: Cancer remains a growing public health problem in Nigeria, with increasing incidence and late-stage presentations due to limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate access to care. Despite advances in global and local cancer research, the translation of these findings into primary healthcare (PHC) practice remains weak. PHC facilities which serve as the first point of contact for most Nigerians are essential for early detection, referral, community education, and preventive interventions. However, systemic barriers, infrastructural constraints, and knowledge gaps hinder the integration of cancer research evidence into everyday PHC activities. Understanding these barriers is crucial for strengthening Nigeria’s health system and improving cancer outcomes.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To examine the current level of integration of cancer research findings into primary healthcare practice in Nigeria.
2. To identify the major barriers hindering primary healthcare providers from applying cancer research evidence in routine practice.
3. To assess how research findings are disseminated within the Nigerian health system and evaluate the effectiveness of existing communication channels.
4. To investigate infrastructural and resource-related constraints that limit the adoption of cancer-related innovations at the primary healthcare level.
5. To provide recommendations for improving the integration of cancer research findings into primary healthcare practice in Nigeria.
METHOD: This study used secondary qualitative data sourced from Google Scholar and reputable academic databases, including PubMed and ResearchGate. Peer-reviewed articles, reports from the Federal Ministry of Health, WHO documents, and studies focusing on cancer control and primary healthcare in Nigeria were reviewed. A thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring barriers to integrating cancer research findings into PHC practice.
RESULTS: The review revealed several key barriers. Limited training and knowledge among PHC workers emerged as a major challenge, with many providers lacking updated cancer-related competencies. Poor dissemination of research findings, due to weak research-policy linkages and limited channels for communicating evidence to frontline providers, further restricts uptake. Inadequate infrastructure, including lack of screening tools and diagnostic equipment at PHC centres, undermines practical application of evidence. Weak health system governance, poor funding for cancer prevention, and inconsistent national guidelines also contribute. Additionally, cultural beliefs, stigma, and low community awareness create demand-side barriers that make PHC integration difficult.
CONCLUSION: Integrating cancer research findings into PHC practice in Nigeria is limited by health system weaknesses, knowledge gaps, infrastructural deficits, and socio-cultural factors. Strengthening PHC capacity, improving training, enhancing evidence dissemination, and increasing investment in cancer prevention are essential steps for translating research into effective action.