My Journey: Caring for the Fighters

Hello, I’m Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti. Currently, I serve as an oncology nurse specialist at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, located at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. It’s been a fulfilling 24 years filled with ups and downs, triumphs and heartaches, as I walk alongside my patients in their toughest battles against cancer. And believe me, I feel as though I’m just beginning this profound journey.

How It All Began: The Girl Who Looked Like Me

The story of why I chose this path started during my final year of nursing school. I encountered a young woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her battle was tragic; she had already endured surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the cruel adversary had returned—it metastasized, and the medical team conveyed a heartbreaking message: “There’s nothing more we can do. Just pain relief.”

Yet, what struck me was her resilience. Even while suffering, she managed to smile, living life fully despite the circumstances. The sight of that tumor on her arm was almost unthinkable. In that moment, I asked the doctors a question that reverberated within me, “What next?” Their response shattered something in me. This young woman was so like me—her spirit, her hope, her laughter. I saw glimpses of my own life reflected in hers. It was a pivotal moment that ignited a passion deep within; I wanted to change the narrative for others.

I applied for a position at Ghana’s first cancer center and was fortunate to secure the role. That was in June—twenty-four years ago. Sometimes, it feels as if the very foundations of my career were lit by her flickering flame of hope.

Wearing the Gown and Bearing the Burden

Embarking on this journey was no walk in the park. I entered this field at the tender age of 22, where specialized oncology nursing was virtually non-existent. Imagine stepping into a battlefield armed with only a spoon! At that time, our oncology department had just one trained oncology nurse. The stakes were high; resources were scarce, and the emotional toll weighed heavy on our hearts.

Our daily mission consisted of learning, teaching, lobbying, comforting, and fighting—all the while holding the trembling hands of patients courageously battling for their lives. There were days when patients unleashed their pain and frustrations upon us. The strain of emotional labor is rarely acknowledged, yet it’s tangible; burnout became a persistent shadow. But we persevered.

I took the lead in launching Ghana’s first online oncology nursing training program, advocating tirelessly for its recognition. It was a victory for all cancer patients when the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives officially accepted it. In that moment, I understood that even small wins contribute to the bigger picture of healthcare improvement.

Between Faith and Fear: Helping Patients Face Reality

Cancer’s reach extends beyond the body—it sometimes infiltrates deeply held beliefs. In Ghana, spirituality permeates our culture, and many patients struggle to grasp their illness. Some view it as a punishment from God or ancestral wrongdoing. Reluctantly, they turn to herbal remedies, only to arrive at the hospital when the disease has progressed. Witnessing this can be heart-wrenching.

Instead of dismissing these beliefs, we work to integrate them into care. We often invite spiritual leaders and psychologists into consultations, fostering an environment of understanding. Our mission is to guide patients towards the truth that cancer is not a curse but a treatable condition. While public education exists, it’s not nearly enough. We need substantial investment in preventive health, from community screenings to culturally sensitive outreach, with traditional leaders playing a crucial role in this transformation.

The Mentorship Ripple Effect

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is witnessing the ripple effect of mentorship. Many of the nurses I’ve trained have returned to their communities to establish oncology units, decentralizing care and enhancing accessibility for patients without the need to travel to Accra. Some of my mentees have launched community screening programs, while others hold significant positions in policy and nursing education. This is how we enact change—not from a lofty perch but through the empowering hands of many.

A Kenyan Nomination, A Global Honour

Recently, I received an unexpected nomination for the 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, and interestingly, the nomination came not from Ghana but from Kenya. Out of an astounding 100,000 nominations worldwide, I found myself among the top 10—and unbelievably, I won. The feeling was surreal—overwhelmed, humbled, and deeply thankful, I realized this recognition transcended my own achievements. It stood as a testament for every oncology nurse out there navigating resource-limited environments while offering world-class care.

What’s Next: Building a Legacy beyond the Hospital

The recognition and financial support that come with this award have opened new doors for me. But I intend to step through with intention:

• Completing Africa-wide competencies for cancer nurses.
• Establishing a leadership training hub for oncology nurses.
• Creating a scholarship fund for nurses pursuing further education.
• Developing a genetic counseling program to better address hereditary cancers.
• Continuing to mentor, screen, educate, and advocate for my patients.

This journey has evolved into something far more significant than a mere profession; it has become a calling.

My Advice to Young Nurses? Fight Like It’s Justice

To every aspiring nurse out there, remember this: nursing is not just a job; it’s an act of social justice. Every bandage you apply, every story you hear, and every patient you comfort carries weight. Seek knowledge relentlessly. Document your experiences. Be the voice for those who cannot speak.

If you had told the 22-year-old version of me that one day I would win a global nursing award and drive significant changes in cancer care, I would have laughed nervously. Yet, here we are, a testament to what passion and perseverance can achieve.

As long as I breathe, I will strive not only against cancer but against the myths and gaps that make this illness even tougher to combat. This is not just my story; it’s a narrative that belongs to Ghana and to Africa. And believe me, we are just getting started.