Exploring Mental Health Challenges and the Role of Stigma in Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study at KCMC Cancer Care Center
Student Project lead(s): Bre Barrett, BA ‘25, MS ‘26
In the summer of 2025, Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) Master’s student Breanna Barrett traveled to Moshi, Tanzania, where she worked with a team at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) to examine the psychosocial experiences of patients receiving cancer care. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise, while limited treatment options, persistent stigma, and deeply rooted cultural beliefs intensify the psychological burden faced by patients. In Tanzania, these factors often contribute to heightened emotional distress and pose significant challenges to treatment adherence.
Through a qualitative study conducted at the KCMC Cancer Care Centre, the team explored how stigma and cultural beliefs shape patients’ care-seeking behaviors and experiences with treatment. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and social workers. Using thematic analysis, the study revealed that stigma and cultural beliefs remain major barriers to effective cancer care. Providers described widespread psychological distress among patients, gaps in consistent psychosocial support services, and particularly high levels of distress among pediatric and adolescent populations.
These findings highlight the urgent need to integrate psychosocial care into routine oncology services. Providers emphasized the importance of staff training in mental health, community-based education to reduce stigma, and stronger partnerships between healthcare facilities, traditional healers, and community leaders to support patients throughout their treatment journey.
Building on this work, the project proposes the implementation of provider mental health training at KCMC, expanding psychosocial services for pediatric patients, and developing collaborative stigma-reduction initiatives with community leaders and traditional healers. Future research will also examine the psychological distress experienced by healthcare providers themselves, with the goal of fostering a more sustainable and holistic cancer care system for both patients and staff.
More information: See Bre Barrett’s Student Showcase page for more details