Effective communication is essential for the optimal delivery of healthcare services and is a central component of any National Cancer Control Strategy. Communication covers the whole disease trajectory encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, end-of-life care, and family bereavement. This symposium intends to enhance overall communication knowledge and skills of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals working in oncology in Africa. Dr. Asuzu will build the argument as to how communication is essential to improving cancer outcomes in Africa. She will present on the importance of distress screening as a communication tool in oncology. Drs. Lounsbury and Henry will present the results of a survey of 118 professionals on communication of a cancer diagnosis in African oncology settings. Sokhna Ndiaye will further explore the role of stigma in African cancer communication and treatment outcome. Dr. Ntizimira will present clinical cases outlining how a family systems approach and paying attention to family dynamics is essential to enhance communication.

Effective communication is essential for the optimal delivery of healthcare services and is a central component of any National Cancer Control Strategy. Communication covers the whole disease trajectory encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, end-of-life care, and family bereavement. This symposium intends to enhance overall communication knowledge and skills of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals working in oncology in Africa. Dr. Asuzu will build the argument as to how communication is essential to improving cancer outcomes in Africa. She will present on the importance of distress screening as a communication tool in oncology. Drs. Lounsbury and Henry will present the results of a survey of 118 professionals on communication of a cancer diagnosis in African oncology settings. Sokhna Ndiaye will further explore the role of stigma in African cancer communication and treatment outcome. Dr. Ntizimira will present clinical cases outlining how a family systems approach and paying attention to family dynamics is essential to enhance communication.

Effective communication is essential for the optimal delivery of healthcare services and is a central component of any National Cancer Control Strategy. Communication covers the whole disease trajectory encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, end-of-life care, and family bereavement. This symposium intends to enhance overall communication knowledge and skills of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals working in oncology in Africa. Dr. Asuzu will build the argument as to how communication is essential to improving cancer outcomes in Africa. She will present on the importance of distress screening as a communication tool in oncology. Drs. Lounsbury and Henry will present the results of a survey of 118 professionals on communication of a cancer diagnosis in African oncology settings. Sokhna Ndiaye will further explore the role of stigma in African cancer communication and treatment outcome. Dr. Ntizimira will present clinical cases outlining how a family systems approach and paying attention to family dynamics is essential to enhance communication.

Effective communication is essential for the optimal delivery of healthcare services and is a central component of any National Cancer Control Strategy. Communication covers the whole disease trajectory encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, end-of-life care, and family bereavement. This symposium intends to enhance overall communication knowledge and skills of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals working in oncology in Africa. Dr. Asuzu will build the argument as to how communication is essential to improving cancer outcomes in Africa. She will present on the importance of distress screening as a communication tool in oncology. Drs. Lounsbury and Henry will present the results of a survey of 118 professionals on communication of a cancer diagnosis in African oncology settings. Sokhna Ndiaye will further explore the role of stigma in African cancer communication and treatment outcome. Dr. Ntizimira will present clinical cases outlining how a family systems approach and paying attention to family dynamics is essential to enhance communication.