TITLE:
Implementation of Genetic Counseling and Germline Multigene Testing for Hereditary Cancer in Cameroon: Insights from the GENCAF Pilot Program
AUTHORS:
Berthe Sabine Esson Mapoko, Kenn Chi Ndi, Vanessa Mouaye, Prisca Adejumo, Olutosin Awolude, Nasser Nsangou Moun, Kareen Azemafac, Cyril Wilfried Missinga, Lynda Montheu, Lionel Bala, Zainab Abba, Lionel Tabola, Pelagie Douanla, Bonaventure Dzekem, Dezheng Huo, Olufunmilayo Olopade, Paul Ndom
KEYWORDS:
Cameroon, Hereditary Cancer, Genetic Counseling, Implementation Science, Africa, BRCA, Multigene Testing, GENCAF
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.17 No.5,
May
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa faces a rapidly growing cancer burden, yet genetic counseling and hereditary cancer testing remain absent in most national health systems. In Cameroon, no structured oncogenetics services existed prior to 2020, despite the frequent clinical observation of early-onset cancers and strong familial clustering. This project aimed to implement and evaluate the operational outcomes of the first structured genetic counseling and multigene testing program for hereditary cancer in Cameroon. Methods: The Genetic Cancer Families (GENCAF) initiative was established as a collaborative North-South (University of Chicago, City of Hope) and South-South (University of Ibadan) program across three oncology centers in Yaounde. Following capacity building and a feasibility study whose results are published separately, the program proceeded to pilot germline testing using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for 29 cancer susceptibility genes in 94 patients. Results: The program trained Cameroon’s first two certified cancer genetic counselors and 19 supporting health professionals. The feasibility and acceptability outcomes (including knowledge-score improvement from 41% to 78%, p Conclusion: GENCAF demonstrates the feasibility and high acceptability of introducing oncogenetics in Cameroon. The high diagnostic yield (27.7%) confirms a substantial burden of hereditary cancer, necessitating the integration of genetic services into national cancer control plans.