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Tag: cancer

  • Early detection, healthy living key to beating cancer, Uzodimma tells Nigerians

    Early detection, healthy living key to beating cancer, Uzodimma tells Nigerians

    Cancer is not a death sentence. Regular screening, early medical check-ups, healthy lifestyles, and collective action can save lives, the First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Barr. Chioma Uzodimma has said.

    She urged Nigerians to pay attention to warning signs, seek medical help promptly, and spread cancer awareness within their families and communities, stressing that survival is possible when the disease is detected early and properly treated.

    Uzodimma gave the charge in Owerri during a public health walk to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day, themed “United by Unique.” According to her, defeating cancer requires unity, awareness, prevention, and sustained investment in healthcare.

    “Let us promote early detection and prevention, support patients with dignity and strengthen our collective resolve against cancer,” she said.

    Leading thousands of participants through the streets of the state capital, the First Lady described the walk as a message of hope for millions battling the disease and a reminder that early diagnosis saves lives.

    The walk, which began at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and ended at the Imo State Specialist Hospital, drew government officials, health professionals, students, civil society organisations, and community leaders, who carried placards promoting routine screening and healthy living.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Adino Kennedy, speaking on behalf of the First Lady, emphasised that early detection remains the strongest weapon against cancer and urged participants to become health ambassadors in their communities.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Imo State chapter, Dr. Okechukwu Duru, called for intensified public enlightenment, noting that ignorance and late presentation continue to cost many lives.

    Stakeholders at the event stressed the need for stronger collaboration, wider screening programmes, and improved investment in cancer care to ensure that quality treatment is accessible and survival rates improve across Nigeria.

  • Group advocates stronger funding for cancer care as survivors, advocates march in Abuja

    Group advocates stronger funding for cancer care as survivors, advocates march in Abuja

    Cancer survivors, advocates and civil society groups have urged the Federal Government and other key stakeholders to give greater attention to Nigeria’s high cancer burden, the rising cost of treatment and persistent gaps in access to care.

    Project Pink Blue said more focused action by government and stakeholders, alongside increased public awareness, has become urgent given that Nigeria records about 127,000 new cancer cases each year, with an estimated 79,000 deaths, which translates to a mortality rate of more than 50 per cent.

    “Other countries have higher diagnosis rates but lower mortality. That’s where we hope to get to and that is why the public must be made aware of the cancers,” Programme Associate with Project Pink Blue, Faridah Banwo said.

    This emerged on Saturday when advocates and public health experts took to the streets of Abuja in a road walk organised by Project Pink Blue to mark World Cancer Day.

    The walk, held under the global theme ‘United by Unique’, was aimed at highlighting the different cancer journeys faced by patients while pressing for stronger government support, especially increased funding for cancer treatment, Banwo explained.

    The 8-kilometer walk, which also featured skating, a 10 km marathon, and 40 km cycling race, according to her, was focused on awareness and advocacy, noting that many cancer patients in Nigeria are forced to choose between basic needs and life-saving treatment.

    “To treat cancer, it’s very expensive here in Nigeria. Cancer patients have to determine, do they want to buy food or do they want to buy medication?” she said, adding that incomplete treatment due to lack of funds remains common.

    She called on the Federal Government to increase allocations to the Cancer Health Fund and urged state and local governments to establish their own cancer health funds to reach more patients and reduce treatment abandonment.

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    Banwo said Project Pink Blue supports cancer patients beyond awareness, providing psychological support, patient navigation and information on appropriate health facilities to reduce late diagnosis and misdiagnosis, which she described as a major contributor to cancer deaths.

    She also highlighted the organisation’s Pink Blue mobile app, designed to help patients and caregivers locate functional treatment centres and access reliable information.

    “You don’t just come down to Abuja from another state and find out that the machine is not working,” she said.

    Banwo said the road walk was part of broader efforts to push cancer awareness beyond hospitals and conferences, taking the message directly to the public in the hope of driving early detection, policy action and sustained support for patients.

    A colon cancer survivor of five years, Fortune Osilem, who joined the walk, said early detection saved her life and urged Nigerians to go for regular check-ups.

    “It’s not a death sentence. The earlier you detect it, the better your chances,” he said, while cautioning against stigmatizing patients.

    On his part, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Martin Zarybnicky, said the hotel partnered the initiative as part of its commitment to supporting health and charity causes, noting that cancer awareness requires collective effort from government, private sector and the public.

  • Cancer: FG intensifies cancer fight, launches new policies, activates 8 oncology centres

    Cancer: FG intensifies cancer fight, launches new policies, activates 8 oncology centres

    The federal government is intensifying efforts in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment through new national policies, expanded vaccination, upgraded facilities, and free nationwide screening programmes, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has said.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Cancer Day, Salako said the government has prioritised cancer prevention by integrating preventive vaccines into the national immunisation programme, expanding screening services, and addressing modifiable risk factors linked to cancer deaths.

    He explained that the focus on prevention became necessary because more than 40 per cent of cancer deaths globally are linked to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, obesity, and air pollution.

    “This means that nearly half of cancers could be prevented through public health interventions,” he said.

    Salako disclosed that Nigeria has developed two major policy documents to strengthen cancer control nationwide: the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan, the first of its kind in the country, and the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030.

    The NCCP will guide federal and state governments, development partners, and other stakeholders to improve cancer prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research, survivorship, and end-of-life care.

    The Minister said the plan prioritises vaccination, equitable access to screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, expansion of palliative care, use of technology, including precision oncology and artificial intelligence, workforce development, and sustainable financing.

    “These documents will strengthen our relentless effort to provide clear policy pathways towards improving the quality of life of cancer patients, and increased investment in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research,” he said.

    Salako noted that the policies align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Health Act, the WHO cancer strategies, and global initiatives on childhood and breast cancer.

    Furthermore, he said Nigeria is also collaborating with Egypt and Kenya to establish the African Oncology Collaborative Network to strengthen oncology systems across the continent, which will be unveiled before the end of the third quarter of 2026.

    Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Salako cited global data showing that about 20 million new cancer cases were recorded worldwide in 2025, with over 10 million deaths.

    “Although age-adjusted cancer death rates have declined globally, it has been predicted that there may be more than 30 million new cancer diagnoses by 2050 due to a growing and ageing population,” he said, warning that low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria face disproportionately higher cancer burden and death rates.

    The Minister said the government has expanded screening and treatment capacity through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), including the provision of mammography machines and other equipment to Federal Medical Centres in Abuja and Ebute-Meta; University of Benin Teaching Hospital; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto; Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

    “This means that Nigerians can now routinely undertake breast cancer screening services in these hospitals and not wait for ad hoc screening activities,” he said.

    As part of World Cancer Day activities, Salako said the Ministry, in collaboration with NICRAT, is sponsoring free cancer screening services across the country throughout February.

    The programme began at FMC Abuja and will be officially flagged off on February 7 at FMC Abeokuta, before moving to Abakaliki and Jos.

    He said the target is to screen a minimum of 1,000 Nigerians per region, adding, “I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the free screening services to promote cancer awareness and early detection for favourable treatment outcomes”.

    He formally unveiled the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan and the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, and declared the eight preventive oncology clinics operational nationwide, “Prevention is not only better, but it is also cheaper,” he said.

    The Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, highlighted persistent gaps in prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care, noting uneven access to quality services.

    “Too many Nigerians still face barriers to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care,” he said, stressing that addressing these inequities is central to NICRAT’s mandate.

    He said late presentation continues to undermine treatment outcomes, prompting the launch of the Renewed Hope National Initiative for Cancer Early Detection, Screening, and Coordinated Access to Networked Care, establishing National Cancer Screening Centres in eight facilities across the six geopolitical zones.

    He said NICRAT is also reviving brachytherapy services nationwide and investing in workforce development through training and continuous professional development for specialists.

    “While every cancer journey is deeply personal and unique, our response must be united across disciplines, institutions, sectors, and borders to ensure that no one is left behind,” Aliyu said.

    He added that NICRAT’s Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research (SINCAR) project is enhancing research capacity, while the expansion of the National Cancer Registry is improving data quality for informed policy.

    “Every statistic represents a human life, every policy must centre on people,” he said, reaffirming NICRAT’s commitment to a comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable cancer control response in Nigeria.

    On the activated National Cancer Screening Centres, the DG said, “The centres will provide screening for the most common cancers in Nigeria, including breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers. We have also incorporated skin cancer screening on a compassionate basis, particularly for persons living with albinism.

    “We are working to integrate cancer screening into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients and make these services more accessible.

    “The FMC Jabi centre, along with our other centres nationwide, is fully equipped and has already commenced screening services.

    “We plan to operate daily on weekdays, with a team of medical personnel, including oncologists, surgeons, dermatologists, gynaecologists, and family medicine doctors drawn from participating federal health institutions to ensure comprehensive care.”

  • Closing the gap to improve cancer survival in Nigeria

    Closing the gap to improve cancer survival in Nigeria

    Nigeria’s rising cancer burden has once again come under sharp focus, as the National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCIF) called for sustainable and transparent financing mechanisms to curb preventable cancer deaths across the country. The appeal, made to mark World Cancer Day 2026, underscores a growing consensus among health experts that cancer in Nigeria is as much a financing and access crisis as it is a medical one.

    Speaking in Abuja, Chairman of the NCIF Governing Council, Dr Gafar Alawode, said Nigeria could significantly reduce cancer-related deaths if funding for prevention, early detection and treatment was prioritised and equitably deployed. His call aligns with the 2026 World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” which highlights the reality that while cancer affects individuals differently, everyone deserves timely access to quality care. “Cancer may be a unique journey for every patient, but access to prevention, early detection and treatment must not depend on income, geography or social status,” Alawode said. “No Nigerian should be denied lifesaving cancer care because they cannot afford it.”

    The scale of the challenge is stark. According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 report, Nigeria records about 127,763 new cancer cases every year, with an estimated 79,542 cancer-related deaths annually. GLOBOCAN, managed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), provides one of the most comprehensive pictures of the global cancer burden, drawing from population-based cancer registries across 185 countries.

    In Nigeria, breast, prostate and cervical cancers remain the most commonly diagnosed, with women accounting for a higher proportion of cases overall. Yet beyond the numbers lies a more troubling reality: too many patients arrive at hospitals when it is already too late. Alawode noted that late presentation remains one of the strongest drivers of Nigeria’s high cancer mortality rate. Studies indicate that between 70 and 75 per cent of cancer patients in the country present at advanced stages—Stages III and IV—when treatment options are limited, more expensive, and outcomes are often poor. “Many of these deaths are preventable,” he said. “Early detection saves lives, but only if people can access screening services and afford treatment when cancer is found.”

    For many Nigerian families, cost is the biggest barrier. Cancer care often requires repeated diagnostic tests, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or long-term medication—expenses that are largely paid out-of-pocket. In a country where health insurance coverage remains limited, a cancer diagnosis can quickly become a financial catastrophe, forcing families to sell property, exhaust savings or abandon treatment altogether. Health experts warn that this financial strain does not only affect patients; it weakens the entire health system. When people delay care because of cost, cancers progress, treatment becomes more complex, and survival rates fall. The result is a cycle of late presentation, high mortality and rising social and economic losses.

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    It is this cycle that the NCIF hopes to break. Alawode said the Fund is committed to strengthening cancer prevention and control by expanding access to affordable services across the cancer care continuum—from prevention and screening to diagnosis and treatment. “Sustainable financing is not optional; it is essential,” he stressed. “Without it, screening programmes cannot scale, diagnostic centres cannot function optimally, and treatment remains out of reach for the people who need it most.”

    Alawode called on all stakeholders—federal and state governments, healthcare providers, development partners, community leaders and individuals—to play their part in addressing the growing cancer burden. “A coordinated and inclusive response is the only way forward,” he said. “When government policy, health systems, community awareness and individual action align, we can translate personal cancer stories into collective progress.”

    Public health advocates argue that such coordination must include stronger screening programmes for common cancers, better public awareness to dispel myths and fear, improved referral systems, and financing models that protect families from catastrophic health spending.

  • Family seeks support for son battling cancer

    Family seeks support for son battling cancer

    The family of 17-year-old, Ayomide Amdi, has appealed to the public for financial assistance to enable him access life-saving treatment for Osteogenic Sarcoma, a severe form of bone cancer.

    Ayomide is receiving medical care at a private health facility in Ogun state.

    A report by the hospital confirmed he is being managed for the disease and has begun chemotherapy.

    The family said doctors recommended chemotherapy and surgery, stressing timely treatment is critical to prevent further complications and improve his chances of survival.

    The estimated cost of treatment is put at N12.3 million, comprising N2.8 million for chemotherapy and N9.5 million for surgery.

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    Doctors warned that delay in treatment could result in spread of the cancer, threatening Ayomide’s limb and life.

    The family is calling on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, philanthropists and charitable groups to assist in raising the money for the treatment.

    It hoped support from the public will help save Ayomide’s life and give him a chance at recovery.

    Donations can be made to Amdi Hannah, Account Number: 2001053805 Zenith Bank.

    The family can be contacted via 07030590459 or 08029594427 for further enquiries or verification.

  • Cancer control: FG strengthens cancer registry, trains data experts

    Cancer control: FG strengthens cancer registry, trains data experts

    The federal government has taken a major step towards strengthening its cancer control framework as the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), in collaboration with the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), trained 24 cancer registrars and data managers drawn from the 19 northern States to improve the quality, accuracy and completeness of cancer data used for national and global decision making.

    The capacity-building programme, held over the weekend in Bauchi State, brought together cancer registrars, data managers, and coders from across Northern Nigeria, underscoring the growing national concern over the reliability of cancer surveillance data amid rising cancer incidence.

    The training focused on standardising cancer registration processes, coding, staging, and data management, in line with national and international best practices, as Nigeria works to strengthen evidence-based planning, policy formulation, and resource allocation in cancer care.

    Declaring the training open, the Director General of NICRAT, Prof Usman Aliyu, said the initiative was deliberately designed to close critical gaps in cancer data generation and reporting across the northern states.

    Represented by the Head of the Nigerian Cancer Registry, Prof Sani Malami, the NICRAT DG said the training was aimed at enhancing the capacity of cancer registrars and data managers to improve the quality, accuracy, and completeness of cancer registration.

    He charged the participants to maximise the opportunity to deepen their technical skills and improve their understanding of how reliable cancer data supports effective decision-making in Nigeria’s health sector.

    According to him, strengthening cancer registries remains central to improving cancer outcomes nationwide, noting that quality data is the foundation for prevention strategies, early detection, treatment planning, and policy interventions.

    Aliyu further disclosed that similar capacity-building programmes have been conducted for cancer registrars and data managers from other geopolitical zones of the country as part of a coordinated national strategy to strengthen cancer surveillance.

    He stressed that NICRAT remains committed to improving the cancer situation in Nigeria through continuous training and retraining of experts across the full spectrum of medical and health professions.

    Prof Malami revealed that the Institute has so far trained more than 1,600 medical and health professionals across the six geopolitical zones in various aspects of cancer care, reflecting a sustained investment in human capacity development.

    The Coordinator of the AFCRN, Oxford, United Kingdom, Prof Max Parkin, emphasised the urgent need to strengthen cancer registration in Nigeria, particularly in the area of data quality.

    He said improved data quality was essential for Nigeria’s cancer burden to be accurately represented in global publications and international research outputs.

    While commending NICRAT for its collaboration with AFCRN, Parkin urged cancer registrars nationwide to further strengthen their capacity through continuous learning.

    He specifically charged all cancer registrars in the country “to go through the GICR e-learning course on cancer registration so as to be equipped with the needed information, knowledge, and capacity to strengthen cancer registration in Nigeria.”

    On his part, the Acting Director of Cancer Surveillance and Monitoring at NICRAT, Dr Joy Iya Benson, described the training as a critical intervention targeted at improving cancer data quality.

    She noted that cancer has become a growing public health concern in Nigeria, making it imperative to strengthen surveillance systems through robust population-based cancer registries.

    According to her, building the capacity of registrars remains a key pillar of effective cancer surveillance and control.

    Dr Iya Benson explained that the training was carefully structured to improve participants’ skills in data abstraction, coding, staging, and analysis in line with National Cancer Registry standards.

    She said, “Additionally, the training was aimed at improving their proficiency in the use of relevant software, standard operating manual, and building survival analysis.

    “All these were geared towards achieving high-quality, complete, and timely cancer registry records that support research and policy for decision making.”

    Stakeholders said the training signals renewed urgency by health authorities to address longstanding weaknesses in cancer data systems, particularly in underserved regions, as Nigeria seeks to align with global standards in cancer surveillance and response.

  • FG moves to curb rising colorectal cancer cases, launches first continental innovative treatment study

    FG moves to curb rising colorectal cancer cases, launches first continental innovative treatment study

    Alarmed by the growing burden of colorectal cancer in Nigeria, the Federal Government has launched a groundbreaking initiative to improve access to advanced cancer treatment and reduce preventable deaths. 

    The move follows data showing that colorectal cancer has tripled in incidence over the past four decades, now ranking as the second most common cancer in men and fourth overall in the country, causing nearly 5,900 deaths annually.

    Speaking at the formal launch of the Innovative Cancer Medicines (ICM) Demonstration Project on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, said that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to making lifesaving innovations available to Nigerians, regardless of their income or location.

    “The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, is determined to revolutionize cancer prevention, control, and overall management in Nigeria. 

    “Today’s milestone represents hope that patients in low- and middle-income countries will no longer have to wait decades to benefit from the same innovations available elsewhere,” Salako declared.

    The project, implemented in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Roche, will test Nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. 

    Nigeria’s enrollment of its first patient marks a historic moment in the country’s oncology research landscape.

    According to Salako, the project is not just a demonstration but proof that innovative cancer care can be delivered safely, sustainably, and locally, while generating vital data on patient experiences, system readiness, and infrastructure needs to guide nationwide expansion of advanced cancer care.

    The Minister said the effort aligns with the National Cancer Control Plan and the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, which prioritize early detection, local research, affordable diagnostics, and access to innovative treatment. 

    He disclosed that six regional cancer centres of excellence have been built, with three already commissioned, and that the 2025 national budget contains the highest-ever allocation for cancer infrastructure.

    Beyond treatment, he said the government is also focusing on prevention through lifestyle modification campaigns, immunization against vaccine-preventable cancers, and nationwide screening.

    Salako urged regulators to ensure timely support for research without creating unnecessary barriers and commended the National Hospital Abuja and the project partners for their commitment.

    Prof. Abubakar Bello, Principal Investigator of the ICM Study, said the project marks a new phase in Nigeria’s oncology landscape, designed to bridge gaps in access to advanced cancer care while generating local evidence on how African patients respond to immunotherapy.

    He explained that the initiative is not an experiment with an untested drug, noting, “Nivolumab is already saving lives globally, and we are demonstrating that Nigerian patients can also benefit safely and effectively.”

    Prof. Bello said the project, conceived in 2019 by a consortium of global partners, was initially planned for four African countries but is now being implemented solely in Nigeria after years of regulatory work. 

    He added that Nigeria now has the capacity for local microsatellite instability (MSI) testing following Roche’s installation of advanced laboratory equipment.

    According to him, preliminary findings show that 43 percent of Nigerian colorectal cancer patients exhibit MSI-high markers, making them more responsive to immunotherapy.

    He noted that each treatment cycle of nivolumab costs about ₦9.5 million, but through the partnership, 30 patients will receive free diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring for 18 months. 

    He added that the donated medicines and diagnostics, valued at over ₦7 billion, represent one of the largest medical donations in Nigeria’s cancer care history.

    Prof. Bello clarified that the ICM project “is not a clinical trial but a demonstration study designed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and patient outcomes within Nigeria’s health system.”

    Dr. Kevin Marks of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy described it as proof of a global commitment to equitable healthcare, saying, “Together, we can move closer to a world where all cancers are curable for all people”.

    Ms. Natania Candelario of Bristol Myers Squibb said the ICM project shows Nigeria’s readiness to deliver advanced therapies such as immunotherapy when supported with the right resources. 

    “It highlights the country’s capacity for world-class cancer care,” she said.

    Dr. Funke Fashawe of CHAI described the launch as the result of five years of work to make immunotherapy available to Nigerians, “We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Health to ensure safe and effective administration of these treatments,” she said.

    The study’s principal investigator, Prof. Abubakar Bello, said the project marks a new era in Nigerian oncology, designed to bridge the gap in access to advanced cancer treatment while generating real-world evidence on how African patients respond to immunotherapy.

    “This is not an experiment with an untested drug. Nivolumab is already saving lives globally. We are showing that our patients can also benefit safely and effectively,” he said 

    Originally conceived in 2019 by a consortium of global partners, he noted that the project was initially planned for four African countries but is now solely implemented in Nigeria after years of regulatory work. 

    The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Prof. Raji Mahmud, represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Isiaka Lawal, said, “This study comes as we strengthen specialties such as urology, neurosciences, and organ transplantation”

  • Minister seeks stronger partnership to tackle cancer burden

    Minister seeks stronger partnership to tackle cancer burden

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called for greater collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against cancer, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges.

    She made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cancer Week held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Maitama, Abuja.

    Mahmoud noted that this year’s theme, “Redefining the Future of Cancer Prevention, Access, and Equity for All,” highlights the urgent need to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of status or location, has timely and affordable access to cancer prevention and treatment services.

    The Minister stressed that cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with Nigeria bearing a significant share of the burden.

    She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to sustained investment in awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and public-private partnerships to combat the disease.

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    According to her, the administration’s broader goal is to strengthen the healthcare system, prioritizing disease prevention and ensuring that all FCT residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

    Mahmoud emphasised that the war against cancer goes beyond medical treatment, requiring empathy, education, innovation, and investment in research. She commended the annual International Cancer Week for fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and mobilizing collective action to improve outcomes for families and communities affected by the disease.

    The minister also praised the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, the Nigeria Cancer Society, and other partners for their unwavering dedication to the cause.

    She reaffirmed the FCTA’s continued support for initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery, promote collaboration, and advance the vision of a cancer-free Nigeria.

  • New cancer centres

    New cancer centres

    • A bold attempt to address one of the country’s deadliest diseases

    “This is the most significant investment any Nigerian administration has ever made in cancer care, and it entails the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa.” That was the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, speaking about the Federal Government’s inauguration of three new cancer centres at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo, Benin.

    According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, “Each facility is fully equipped with advanced diagnostic and radiotherapy technology and is expected to serve over 2,000 cancer patients annually, while delivering diagnostic services to more than 350,000 Nigerians across the regions.”

    The three cancer centres are the first set, concretising “a bold national vision” to establish 10 oncology centres by 2026 “under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises affordable, equitable, and accessible healthcare for all,” the ministry said in a statement.

    Seven more centres are underway and scheduled for inauguration on World Cancer Day 2026, including Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Yola, the ministry added. The network of oncology and diagnostic centres will have the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years.

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    Pate was quoted as saying, “This marks the end of a tragic era for Nigerians battling cancer.” The Federal Government’s cancer treatment project had been stalled for four years before President Tinubu revived it in 2024 after he assumed office. It is a welcome and commendable public health intervention.

    There is no doubt that cancer is a major public health issue in Nigeria, with rising incidence and mortality rates, mainly for breast, prostate, and cervical cancers. The disease is reported to be a leading cause of death in the country, with 127,000 cases and over 79, 000 deaths annually.

    Significantly, in June 2024, Nigeria declared cancer a notifiable disease, requiring both public and private healthcare institutions to report all diagnosed cases towards building a national cancer registry. Nigeria has a National Strategic Cancer Control Plan for 2023-2027, which aims to address the cancer problem through research, treatment, prevention, and control strategies.

    The inauguration of these centres is indeed a positive step. However, there is a need for sustained funding to ensure maintenance of the facilities and equipment, and continuous training and retention of skilled medical personnel.

    It is noteworthy that the Federal Government announced a cost-sharing scheme with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to provide subsidies of up to N400,000 for radiotherapy for low-income patients. This is expected to make cancer care not only accessible but also affordable to many Nigerians.

    Also, the success of the cancer treatment project will depend on how well the cancer centres integrate with existing primary and secondary healthcare systems for referrals, awareness, and early screening. This is particularly critical because late presentation for treatment remains a major challenge.

    Since prevention is better than cure, the health authorities should intensify awareness and enlightenment campaigns, among other cancer prevention strategies. This is a long-term approach to cancer control that goes beyond just providing treatment infrastructure. Such campaigns can educate about risk factors, promote healthy lifestyles, dispel myths and superstitions surrounding cancer, encourage early symptom, recognition and seeking medical attention, and inform about available screening programmes.

    Such proactive public health measures are crucial for maximising the impact of the new cancer centres, and ultimately reducing the cancer burden in the country.

    Effective cancer control requires both preventive and curative approaches. The authorities must pay serious attention to both aspects to enhance the country’s cancer control capacity.

  • Malawi begins new chapter in fight against esophageal cancer

    Malawi begins new chapter in fight against esophageal cancer

    A new era has opened in Malawi’s cancer response with the country’s hosting, in April, of a high-level delegation of medical and advocacy experts aiming to combat one of its deadliest diseases: esophageal cancer (EC).

    The groundbreaking public health initiative brought together distinguished personalities, including Malawi’s Ambassador to the United States, Judge Esme Chombo; Emeritus Professor at the Mayo Clinic and Chairman of the AfrECC Foundation Board, Dr David Fleischer, and humanitarian and CEO of Encase Consulting Group, Ike Ogbuebile, who joined forces with global medical device leader Boston Scientific (market capitalization: $156.88 billion) led by Art Butcher, Executive Vice President for Boston Scientific; Ms Camille Chang Gilmore, Global CDO; Carl Budge, Head of Global Outreach, the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), and Malawi’s Ministry of Health.

    Malawi holds the highest reported global age-standardized rate for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) incidence and mortality. Esophageal cancer is the third most common cancer in the country, posing a serious public health challenge due to late diagnoses and scarce treatment options.

    The initiative saw the delegation travel to high-risk areas such as Salima and Nkhoma, where they conducted community outreach sessions to raise awareness of early symptoms—difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and chronic heartburn—and emphasized the importance of early medical evaluation. They deployed mobile screening units to local clinics, enabling on-site preliminary endoscopic exams and providing life-saving diagnostic services directly to underserved populations.

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    A centerpiece of the mission was the introduction of Boston Scientific’s Ultraflex™ Esophageal Stent. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Fleischer, more than 25 Malawian doctors and clinical officers received hands-on training in stent placement, a life-improving technology that restores swallowing function for patients with obstructive tumors, offering immediate relief and improved quality of life—even in late-stage cases.

    The initiative’s long-term vision was emphasized during workshops at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Lilongwe, attended by Ambassador Chombo, who led the U.S. delegation. The program promotes sustainable impact by combining advanced medical technology with local capacity-building, ongoing education, and peer-to-peer mentorship.

    Encase Consulting Group’s CEO Ike Ogbuebile played a pivotal role in the mission, leading high-level stakeholder engagement, securing key partnerships, and advocating for resource allocation within the Malawian health system. His leadership and commitment to healthcare equity across Africa amplified community voices and drew international attention to the urgent need for comprehensive cancer control strategies on the continent.

    The mission also included high-level talks with Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, as well as engagements with the U.S. Embassy, the World Health Organization’s representative to Malawi, and the Chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology. There was also an outreach in high-incidence villages, reinforcing the initiative’s grassroots approach.

    Experts say the initiative was more than a single intervention as it marked the beginning of a new era in Malawi’s cancer response. They add that by uniting innovation, training, and community empowerment, Malawi is charting a bold path forward—one that could serve as a model for other nations facing similar public health challenges.

    In his remarks, Ogbuebile reminded the delegation of the essence of the visit and the commitment to stand by Malawi and Africa. “Africa needs us, and we can’t forget the faces, the warmth and the challenges of the people we met during this experience,” he said.