Empowering early detection: a pioneering breast health training course for healthcare workers in Malawi

Abstract

This paper shares our experiences and key lessons learnt from the development and implementation of a pioneering breast health training course for healthcare workers in Malawi, with a strong emphasis on early breast cancer diagnosis. In response to the rising burden of breast cancer and limited healthcare infrastructure, the course was designed to bridge the critical gap in early detection and diagnosis among local healthcare providers. The initiative was a collaborative effort involving Malawian health authorities, specialist clinicians, sectoral experts and civil society organisations, enabling us to create a curriculum specifically tailored to the local context. The course aimed to equip healthcare workers-from clinicians to nurses-with the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for early detection, including clinical breast examinations. By enhancing their ability to identify suspicious cases at an earlier, more treatable stage, we sought to improve overall patient outcomes. Training was delivered through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on clinical practice, ensuring that participants gained both knowledge and practical experience. In this paper, we highlight the challenges we faced, such as varying levels of healthcare expertise, and share the lessons learnt, including the importance of context-specific content, hands-on training and integrating breast healthcare with other services. The initiative has shown promising results in improving participants' knowledge and skills. This paper aims to offer valuable insights for other regions seeking to implement similar programmes, emphasising the critical role of early diagnosis in reducing breast cancer mortality.

Keywords: Cancer; Health Personnel; Health systems; Public Health; Universal Health Care.