A structured protocol for breaking diagnosis gynecological cancer in Gabon: a two-phase feasibility study

Objective To develop and implement a structured protocol for breaking gynecological cancer diagnoses in Gabon, and evaluate its feasibility and acceptability among healthcare professionals and patients. Methods Two-phase prospective study (2024–2025). Phase 1: exploratory survey among 19 professionals documenting existing practices and needs. Phase 2: protocol implementation in five healthcare facilities followed by satisfaction surveys among 23 professionals and 50 patients with breast or cervical cancer. Quantitative analyses (Mann-Whitney test) and thematic qualitative analyses were performed. Results Phase 1 revealed major gaps: insufficient training (89.5%), lack of standardized tools (68.4%), and limited institutional support (63.2%). Phase 2 demonstrated favorable acceptability: 56.5% of professionals reported high comfort levels, 61% practice improvement, and 60.9% positive overall satisfaction. Oncologists-radiotherapists perceived significantly superior impact compared to gynecologists on practice evolution (p = 0.004 ), first contact improvement ( p = 0.025) , and professional well-being (p = 0.032). Among patients, 84% found communication clear and 80.0% understood information, but 70.0% deemed emotional support insufficient. Main limitations: impersonal nature (39.1%) and lack of transcultural adaptation (21.7%). Conclusions This first-in-Gabon protocol demonstrates feasibility and acceptability. However, optimal effectiveness requires complementary training in relational skills and cultural adaptation. Controlled longitudinal studies are needed to measure long-term impact on quality of life and treatment adherence.