NUL Professor Maseabata Ramathebane Assesses Challenges and Opportunities of Treating Breast Cancer in Lesotho

Breast cancer continues to place enormous pressure on healthcare systems across developing nations, and Lesotho is no exception. As cases continue to rise globally, experts have warned that low and middle income countries will carry the heaviest burden over the next two decades. In Lesotho, limited access to healthcare facilities, delayed diagnosis and financial hardship have created major barriers for women battling the disease. These realities formed the basis of an important study conducted by Professor Maseabata Ramathebane and fellow researchers, who examined the challenges and opportunities linked to breast cancer treatment in the country. Their findings provide critical insight into the experiences of patients and highlight areas where healthcare systems, policymakers and communities can improve outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The study, titled “Assessing Challenges and Opportunities of Treating Breast Cancer in Lesotho,” was published in Medical Research Archives in 2023. It was conducted at the Senkatana Oncology Clinic located at the Botshabelo complex in Maseru, which remains the only cancer treatment centre in Lesotho. The research involved 45 breast cancer patients who had been initiated on chemotherapy treatment. Researchers used both prospective and retrospective methods in a quantitative cross sectional study to gather data about patient experiences, treatment costs and barriers to care. The research focused on understanding the practical and financial struggles patients face while also identifying possible opportunities for improving breast cancer care in Lesotho.

One of the major concerns raised in the study was the lack of awareness and early screening among women. Although many women interviewed had heard about breast cancer, awareness did not always translate into regular screening or early medical intervention. Out of 228 women surveyed in related findings, 177 had heard about breast cancer while 72.9 percent were aware of breast cancer screening. Despite this level of awareness, many patients still arrived at healthcare facilities with advanced stages of the disease. Late diagnosis reduces treatment success rates and increases healthcare costs, while also placing emotional and financial strain on patients and their families. The study noted that many women were eventually sent home for palliative or home based care because the disease had progressed too far for effective treatment.

Financial difficulties emerged as one of the biggest obstacles affecting breast cancer patients in Lesotho. Many patients struggled to pay for healthcare services, transportation and diagnostic tests. According to the study, 83.3 percent of patients faced challenges arranging transport to medical appointments while the same percentage struggled to pay healthcare costs. Another 77.8 percent found healthcare facilities too far away even when transport was available, while 88.9 percent reported difficulties paying for diagnostic tests. These findings reveal how poverty and geography directly affect treatment access and patient survival. Women living in rural areas often travel long distances to Maseru for treatment, increasing both transport expenses and physical exhaustion during chemotherapy.

The research also highlighted the economic burden placed on the healthcare system itself. Diagnostic and monitoring laboratory tests accounted for 64.5 percent of total direct medical costs linked to breast cancer care. Chemotherapy represented 24.7 percent of costs, making it the second largest contributor to treatment expenses. This indicates that diagnostic services consume a substantial portion of healthcare resources. It also suggests that improving early detection methods and decentralising screening services could reduce costs significantly over time. Earlier diagnosis would likely reduce the need for expensive advanced treatments and prolonged medical interventions.

Another important finding was that patients who sought treatment late experienced far greater challenges than those who presented early. Women diagnosed at advanced stages often required more intensive treatment while facing higher transport, accommodation and medical expenses. Delayed treatment also increased the emotional stress placed on families who often struggled to support loved ones financially and physically. The study stressed that many of these hardships could be reduced through stronger awareness campaigns, routine screening programmes and improved community education. Encouraging women to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear could help save lives and reduce pressure on healthcare facilities.

Professor Maseabata Ramathebane’s work also points toward opportunities for strengthening Lesotho’s healthcare system. Expanding breast cancer awareness programmes across communities could improve understanding of symptoms, risk factors and the importance of regular screening. Increasing investment in regional diagnostic facilities would reduce the need for long distance travel to Maseru and improve access to timely care. Training more healthcare professionals in oncology services could also help strengthen treatment capacity within the country. Partnerships between academic institutions, healthcare providers and industry stakeholders may create innovative solutions that improve patient support and reduce treatment costs over time.

The study further demonstrates the importance of research driven healthcare planning in Lesotho. Reliable local data allows policymakers and healthcare leaders to make informed decisions based on the specific realities faced by Basotho women. International statistics alone cannot fully capture the challenges experienced in local communities where poverty, infrastructure limitations and healthcare shortages intersect. By documenting the experiences of breast cancer patients in Lesotho, Professor Ramathebane and her colleagues have contributed valuable knowledge that can guide future healthcare strategies. Their findings also reinforce the need for stronger investment in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services throughout the country.

Breast cancer remains a serious public health concern in Lesotho, but studies like this provide a path toward meaningful change. The research clearly shows that financial hardship, travel difficulties and delayed diagnosis continue to affect patient outcomes. At the same time, it identifies important opportunities for improving awareness, expanding healthcare access and reducing treatment costs through early intervention. Professor Maseabata Ramathebane’s work highlights the urgent need for collaborative action between government, healthcare institutions and communities. With stronger awareness programmes, improved screening services and greater healthcare investment, Lesotho can make progress in reducing the burden of breast cancer and improving survival rates for women across the country.