The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cancer

  • Experts recommend simple ways to avoid, defeat cancer

    Experts recommend simple ways to avoid, defeat cancer

    In the ongoing battle against cancer, early detection, regular medical screening and prompt treatment emerge as crucial weapons in patients’ arsenal. At the forefront of this fight, cancer specialists emphasise the urgency of seeking help early and dispelling misconceptions that cancer equates to a death sentence. The experts underscored a sobering reality: many succumb to cancer not because it is inherently unbeatable, but because they arrive at hospitals too late, often when the disease has already advanced. Dr. Lilian Ekpo, Director of the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC), and Dr. Habeebu Muhammad, Chief Clinical Coordinator at NLCC, stressed that early detection can significantly alter the course of the disease, saving lives and reducing the exorbitant financial burden associated with its management.

    According to the World Health Organisation, early detection not only enhances survival rates but also mitigates the financial impact of cancer. These insights were shared during an awareness walk organised by NSIA-LUTH in Lagos to mark the 2024 World Cancer Day. As the sun cast its golden rays over the bustling streets of Lagos, a determined group of individuals gathered at the premises of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Among them were cancer specialists, journalists, social media influencers, and professionals from various walks of life, all united by a common cause: to raise awareness and sensitise the public about the importance of early detection and prompt treatment in the fight against cancer. Led by Dr. Ekpo, NLCC Director, the group embarked on a solemn yet purposeful journey. With banners fluttering in the gentle breeze and voices raised in solidarity, they set forth on an awareness and sensitisation walk, tracing their path from LUTH premises in Idi Araba to the National Stadium in Surulere.

    As they made their way through the vibrant streets of Lagos, the group garnered attention from passersby and onlookers. With each step, they carried a message of hope and empowerment, urging individuals to take charge of their health and prioritise regular medical screenings for early cancer detection. The awaresess walk held special significance as it coincided with the commemoration of World Cancer Day on February 4. This annual event served as a poignant reminder of the global impact of cancer and the urgent need to address critical  issues surrounding the disease. Under the theme “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care,” this year’s World Cancer Day underscored the inequalities in cancer care and advocated for universal access to essential cancer services. Through their collective efforts, the NLCC team and their allies aimed to amplify this message and spark meaningful action in the fight against cancer.

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    Dr. Ekpo expressed deep concern over the escalating incidence of cancer worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. She lamented that Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system posed a significant challenge to achieving favourable treatment outcomes for cancer patients. “People need to be educated about cancer,” Dr. Ekpo emphasised, her voice tinged with urgency. “They need to recognise the early signs and symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, and undergo screening tests. It’s crucial for saving lives.” She highlighted the unfortunate reality that many patients in Nigeria present at advanced stages of cancer, significantly reducing their chances of successful treatment. “Patients often delay seeking medical help because they are unaware of the warning signs,” she explained. “Symptoms like vaginal bleeding or unexplained weight loss are disregarded, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Once you present late, the likelihood that the oncologists and the team of cancer care specialists will be able to achieve a cure is lower. So that is the challenge in Nigeria. The top four cancers that we are dealing with are breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and colon cancer. The greatest misconception is that cancer is a death sentence or the moment you get a diagnosis of cancer, you’re going to die,” she said, urging Nigerians to prioritise healthy nutrition and regular exercises to avoid the disease.

  • Ebie seeks measures to reduce cancer mortality in Africa

    Ebie seeks measures to reduce cancer mortality in Africa

    In commemoration of the 2024 World Cancer Day, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organised free breast and cervical cancer screening for women in the region.

    Chairman of the interventionist agency, Chiedu Ebie Esq., who declared the ceremony open at Ladyoak Cancer Care Center, Central Hospital, Agbor in Delta state, called for urgent measures to reduce the high rate of cancer mortality across Africa.

    The event was put together by the NDDC in conjunction with the Gilbert Hill Resources Limited.

    Identifying cancer as a monster disease that has claimed the lives of millions of people, including women and children across the globe, Ebie, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Dr Godwin Edozie, emphasised the need for early screening and detection to save lives.

    The NDDC boss noted that in Africa alone, the incidence of various types of cancer is disheartening, pointing out that in the year 2020 more than a million new cancer cases were recorded in Africa with about 700,000 deaths.

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    He added that about 50 percent of new cases in adults are due to breast, cervical, prostrate, liver cancer amongst others.

    With cancer mortality in the region projected to reach about one million per year by 2030, Ebie warned that the figure shows the rising trend in breast and cervical cancer amongst women and the girl-child.

    He further stressed the need for early detection as key to cancer treatment and management.

    A keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Roy Maduka, disclosed that cervical cancer is predominant in less developed nations, urging women to shun smoking and alcohol intake.

  • Critical issues shaping cancer care in Nigeria, by expert

    Critical issues shaping cancer care in Nigeria, by expert

    An accomplished medical professional and seasoned administrator, Dr. Lilian Ekpo, Director of the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC) in Lagos, boasts a wealth of expertise and experience in the healthcare sector. Before her tenure at NLCC, Dr Ekpo served as the medical director of a prominent private healthcare institution in Lagos, overseeing various healthcare facilities such as dialysis centres and implant clinics for numerous companies nationwide. In this interview, she offers insights into the prevailing landscape of cancer care, underscoring the significance of breast cancer awareness and confronting the hurdles in cancer treatment across Nigeria. She spoke with Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    The perception of cancer in Nigeria, I think is slowly increasing and I emphasised the word slowly and that’s because a lot of people out there still see cancer as a death sentence. And that’s one of the core things that we’re trying to do at the centre through our constant awareness on different platforms – the media and social media handles – trying to educate the public that cancer is not a death sentence, knowing that options are available.

    Early detection is crucial as it helps save lives. So, the message is slowly getting out there. You have to keep educating the people. Last year, we partnered with the Lagos State Government in raising awareness concerning cancer education among secondary school students. We’re changing the tide for the next generation. All through the quarter of last year, we educated students on breast cancer, different forms of cancer and how they can understand what the symptoms are so that they can detect it early and can present it early.

    Generally, all over the world, there’s a rising incidence of cancer, but it’s worse in low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Mortality is high here and there is the likelihood that one may die from the disease because of the quality of health care that one receives and because of late presentation in the country.

    The incidence of cancer is rising, the lifestyle is changing; the health trends are moving away from communicable diseases. Sixty to 100 years ago, what was killing people were cholera malaria and other diseases. But now, we’ve successfully overcome those barriers. Unfortunately, our healthcare systems and capacity have not evolved to deal with non-communicable diseases so much so that we are now struggling to catch up so that we can cope with the surge.

    What we see in the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre mirrors what is seen in the country. So, you would have breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and colon cancer; those would be the top four. In this centre, we also see a lot of head and neck cancers. I must confess, we do have very good outcomes in treating head and neck cancers.

    Treatment and management of cancer

    Currently, NLCC has deployed state-of-the-art treatments and equipment in the management of cancer. We have the kind of technologies that you will see in cancer centres in developed countries and the benefits of having those technologies in place and having clinicians, medical physicists and radiotherapists who are skilled in the deployment of these technologies. It means that you can give more targeted treatment to the cancer itself, sparing the other healthy tissue, because that previously has been the challenge with cancer treatment and that’s the reason, for example, someone with cancer will take medication and the hair falls off. It falls off because the treatment that the patient is taking is killing the cancer and also killing normal cells. But radiotherapy machines, enable us to focus directly on the tumour and spare all the surrounding cells.

    Challenges faced by cancer patients in Nigeria

     The greatest challenge cancer patients experience is finance. Healthcare everywhere in the world is expensive. In developed countries where you have a very strong healthcare insurance system, the significant care in any service that is rendered to the patient is the government. In Nigeria, the government is trying, especially with cancer care, as they’re making some significant investments.

    This centre was set up by the NSIA, which manages Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Funds. It is an investment for every Nigerian. For that reason, the costs are affordable and reasonable because the service has been subsidised to some extent. However, given the present economic situation, it is still expensive for the Nigerian on the street. A cancer patient might come during stage two, but when they tell them the price and they are struggling to go and get the money, by the time they speak with community members, church, or family, it will take them several months.

    By the time they come back, the cancer has moved from stage two to stage three; so that’s a significant challenge. Another challenge would be all the other ancillary things that come with it are disruption to life, including your family life, lifestyle, and even work. Going to the hospital every week to take his or her treatments can cause a lot of fatigue. If you are self-employed, how do you cope?  If you are working with an employer who is uninformed and unsympathetic, then you begin to ask, why is he taking too much time off to go and get radiotherapy?

    If the government or an NGO can come together and fund free transportation, it will ease the stress of cancer patients. But that doesn’t happen currently in this country.

    How the government can ensure equitable access to cancer care   

     The government should keep up the work that they’re doing. The government has made significant investments in the past five years in cancer care in terms of procurement of equipment. They’ve set up the same centre in Maiduguri with a lot of good equipment. However, the equipment is not the ones that will treat the people; it’s the doctors, the radiotherapists, and the medical physicists that will treat the people and we need people who are skilled. With the japa syndrome in the healthcare sector, we are almost sitting on a time-bomb. We need to make significant investments in retaining human capital by stemming the tide of human capital flight, invest in doctors, get them trained, pay them well because not everybody wants to leave the country.

    The oncology nurses, the oncology pharmacists that help to compound those medicines, medical physicists, the ones that plan where the radiation goes, the radiation therapists that ensure the radiation is delivered to the right place and positioned the patient properly when they lie in the linear accelerator, biomedical engineers that will manage the equipment need to be trained.

    What is the trend right now is targeted therapy otherwise referred to as personalised treatment. And the core of that is realising that treatment can be specific. There is a specific gene on cancer cells that you can target and you would destroy that cancer cell rather than just giving general chemotherapy. With targeted chemotherapy, it looks for genes, proteins, or particular enzymes and targets those things. So, there are tests that need to be done to determine what kind of medication the patient gets and the likelihood of successful outcomes are higher with targeted therapy.

    Support services and resources available  to cancer patients

    The greatest misconception is that cancer is a death sentence or the moment you get a diagnosis of cancer, you’re going to die. This one of the things we trying to do through our social media channels to share the stories of survivors and show the work that have been done at the center and let them know that that cancer is not a death sentence, it doesn’t mean the end of your life.

    Read Also: Cancer centres in Nigeria

    The other misconception is what causes cancer. Cancer is not a form of witchcraft, not a punishment from God, it’s not because you’ve done something bad, you’ve lived sinful or promiscuity. These are some misconception that people have and it’s important to dispel those misconceptions and myths. NLCC continues to strengthen its bouquet of services that are available within palliative care for the patient. We have psychopharmacology clinics that every patient that pays for radiotherapy treatment gets two complimentary psycho-oncology consultations, where you sit with a psychologist. As you come in, the first thing you do for all the patients is to make them fill what is called the distress diameter to measure the extent of psychological trauma; are you struggling to sleep? Are you having palpitations because you are afraid? Are you worried about your finances? Are you struggling with your spouse or your children? Some of the results of that form the two complimentary psycho oncology visits, a psychologist who is trained in understanding cancer patients and struggles will sit with you and counsel you. They get the service before they start treatment and during the course of treatment so that we can compare how the treatments and the counseling services is impacting their life.

    We also have nutrition services because that’s one of the things that people struggle with in cancer. It is even one of their first concerns as many patients feel what they ate that cause cancer. Now that I have cancer, what should I be eating? What should I not be eating? So we have nutritionist and dietitian who will sit with patient to help them with their meal plan. One of the side effects that they can have with chemotherapies is metallic taste or loss of appetite. The nutritionist tells you, rather than three large meals, maybe eat in smaller portions, make smoothies to keep their nutrition up to enable them go through the treatment successfully and improve your outcomes. As LUTH is also strengthening its palliative care department, we’re working very closely with them to see how we can continue to expand the bouquet of services that we have within the center for patients. We have a medical social worker as well that works with the patients counseling, support, dealing with their loved ones and helping them cope with the diagnosis.

     Early detection helps cancer care

     Early detection saves lives and it is absolutely crucial. My advice to the public is be informed, be educated. A lot of people are waiting on a doctor, waiting on the informed healthcare person to tell them what to do about their health. You know your body, don’t ever ignore symptoms. Cancer actually takes a long time to grow. It’s not like malaria where people will tell you, ‘I was fine last week and then all of a sudden my head started aching.’ No, cancer doesn’t work that way. Its slow growing and you find out that a lot of times people are ignoring the symptoms. They ignore stomach pain, sudden weight loss, blood vagina was ignored or the felt a lump in your breast and you thought it would go. For example, the signs and the symptoms of ovarian cancer are very vague. That sort of thing you would probably pick when you do your routine medical examination. So, do not ignore signs but get those tests done. Also, make sure you follow after the results if there’s anything abnormal. It’s better to get it checked out. Nigerians like to bring religion into every issue of life; they want to cover everything with religion. I’m not negating prayer. You can get those results and still pray because doctors don’t know everything. The truth is not every cancer can be cured even in the developed world. Steve Jobs died of cancer and if there’s anybody that had money, he had money. He was living in the US that has access to the best of technologies but he still died. So, prayer is still relevant if that is the path you want to choose, but do it and still get the doctor’s check.

  • Cancer centres in Nigeria

    Cancer centres in Nigeria

    • These will go a long way in reducing forex on medical tourism

    Cancer is an emotionally-charged word. It is referred to, even by medical practitioners, with euphemisms such as cancer antigen “CA”. Complementarily, it is becoming common to hear medical personnel say, “cancer is not a death sentence.” But this comforting expression has conditions to be satisfied for it to be true. One of such conditions is early detection, and early detection is itself based on appropriate screening, which is facilitated by the availability of well-trained personnel and requisite equipment.

    It is therefore gratifying that, in marking this year’s World Cancer Day on February 6, the Minister of State for Education and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced plans to construct six new cancer centres in the six geo-political zones of the country within the next three years. The centres would be located in  Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, and Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos.

     First, these centres would complement existing cancer facilities in the designated hospitals and, through collaboration, other hospitals in the country, and thereby enhance the capability of the nation’s health institutions to control and treat cancer. This hope is justified, because, in spite of the worrisome exodus of Nigerian doctors and related medical personnel from the country in search of greener pastures, the expertise of those remaining in the country continues to be confirmed by global peer reviews of major health interventions. This would make the increasing trend of medical delegations to the country by Nigerian doctors practicing abroad more result-oriented. The mutual benefits of such medical delegations would enhance the professional competitiveness of Nigerian doctors and allied personnel through increased research networking.

     In other words, these new centres have the potential to create a conducive work environment for medical personnel who really do not have a need to emigrate. They also have the potential to encourage some of the doctors who have currently left the country to return home permanently and make their newly-acquired expertise and experience available to the nation. This would increase the confidence of Nigerians in Nigeria-based medical practitioners and reduce the attraction for medical tourism.   

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     Second, the proposed centres would facilitate the effectiveness of more-sharply-focused medical campaigns towards cancer awareness and prevention methods and practices. In this regard, experts continue to draw attention to cancer-prevention life-style practices such as keeping away from smoking and drinking, avoiding excessive consumption of red meat, consuming diets high in fibre and fruits, and engaging in regular physical exercise. The plan of the government to train nurses in primary health centres across the nation to provide related enlightenment and the screening of the most common cancers is a commendable complement to the six centres.  

    Third, in cases where cancer develops, in spite of the patients’ best efforts at prevention, the new centres would facilitate access to and early onset of treatment. One of the challenges of treating cancer patients abroad is that, apart from the relatively high hospital bills, it often entails very high associated costs. This includes transport or airfare costs for patients themselves, accompanying family members, and sometimes accompanying medical personnel, and related costs such as visa fees. It also includes accommodation and feeding costs for this set of people. Considering these facts, the cost-effectiveness which the proposed cancer centres would engender is quite huge.

    In ultimate terms, the new cancer centres would relieve significantly the pressure on the country’s foreign reserve. The decision to build the cancer centres across the six geo-political zones of the country therefore needs all the support it requires from stakeholders to see the proposal to fruition. It must not be allowed to die like some noble dreams had in the past.  

  • Fed Govt to spend N200m on indigent cancer patients, says Alausa

    Fed Govt to spend N200m on indigent cancer patients, says Alausa

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said the Federal Government will spend N200 million for the treatment of indigent cancer patients in this year’s Appropriation Act (budget) contained in the Cancer Health Fund (CHF).

    Alausa announced this while addressing reporters during the commemoration of this year’s World Cancer Day (WCD) yesterday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WCD is an international day marked on February 4 to raise awareness on cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

    Between 2022 and this year, the focus of the global observance was on how to help “Close the Cancer Gap” and the theme for this year

    is: Together, We Challenge Those in Power.

    This focuses on the global demand for leaders to prioritise and invest in cancer prevention and care, and to do more to achieve a just and cancer-free world.

    Alausa said the Federal Government had put N1.3 billion into the CHF in the last four years to enhance the treatment of indigent patients.

    The minister explained that though the fund would not be enough to do what was needed to be done to take care of Nigerians, the ministry

    was mobilising funds through a sector-wide approach and involving private sector participation.

    He said: “That is not what we need to take care of the large burden of the disease that we face. We are working on mobilizing substantial amount of money from two various pathways.

    “The Health Sector Renewal Initiative: the big focus of that is sector-wide approach. This will enable us to mobilise funds and coordinate

    current fragmentation we have in our healthcare system.

    “We have the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which is one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), but that is not

    enough to meet the healthcare needs of our vulnerable group and the people that need it the most.”

    Alausa said the ministry would collaborate with development partners to direct funds to where it was needed for better coordination and to avoid duplication.

    He said: “As we mobilise some of the funds from our development partners as well as the funds from the BHCPF, we will direct more to the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

    “The move is to enable us to cover all patients as we move into the year. We are fortunate to have a supplementary budget. We will

    advocate for more funding to be directed to the healthcare sector.”

    Alausa also said the recently created National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) had been mandated by law to

    provide leadership in the area of cancer research and treatment.

    For better coordination, the minister said, the ministry recently moved the CHF being coordinated and housed in the ministry to NICRAT to provide prompt and unhindered access to indigent Nigerians who needed it for efficiency, particularly timeliness and sustainability.

    He said the ministry would continue to provide oversight and policy direction for the fund.

    On the steps taken to address cancer challenges in the country, Alausa listed primary prevention through vaccination, early detection, prompt treatment and research.

    According to him, the ministry, through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), is leading the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for primary prevention of cancer of the cervix.

    “It is also carrying out Hepatitis immunisation for prevention of liver cancers.

    “Vaccination for viral hepatitis has been on the national programme on immunisation, HPV Vaccination was commenced in 2023.

    “I hereby enjoin parents, opinion leaders and indeed all stakeholders to take advantage of the immunisation programmes. The vaccine is free, very safe and highly efficacious in preventing these cancers,” he said.

    The minister also said the NHIA Act 2022 had made health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians, therefore had been mandated through a guideline to enrol all Nigerians, including cancer patients into health insurance.

    To improve access to cancer care services, he said the Federal Government was establishing six new cancer centres of excellence in the six geopolitical zones with brachytherapy machines and other equipment.

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    They are: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (Southeast), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina (Northwest), University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin (Southsouth), and Jos University teaching Hospital, Jos (Northcentral).

    Others are: Lagos University Teaching Hospitals (LASUTH), Lagos (Southwest), while University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri (Northeast) was being upgraded.

    Alausa added that the ministry was currently implementing the National Policy on Hospice and Palliative Care and the National Policy on Chemotherapy Safety, which were launched in 2021.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Partnership for Eradication of Cancer in Africa (PECA), Ms. Salomey Eferemo, said the rollout of HPV vaccine was the best thing that has happened to the cancer space and Nigerian women.

    According to her, early detection is the secret and the cheapest means recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for Low-Middle-Income Countries, such as Nigeria is the “Look and Treat Protocol.

    “They should routinise it in Nigeria. If a woman walks into a health centre to test for HPV, they should check her for it. If she has been checked, she should be given a certificate, like COVID, stamped and dated.

    “With this, we can have data to work with, have a registry to know who has and who does not and who needs to be escalated for treatment and the data collection too will be fine,” Eferemo said.

    She added that her organisation was seeking approval to introduce a device, called Oncosic, which was capable of detecting between seven to 11 cancers by one specimen of the blood.

  • Revolutionising cancer detection: Oncosic device set to boost early intervention

    Revolutionising cancer detection: Oncosic device set to boost early intervention

    During a media conference commemorating the 2024 World Cancer Day in Abuja, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, revealed that N200 million has been allocated for the treatment of indigent cancer patients in the 2024 Appropriation Act, housed within the Cancer Health Fund (CHF). This allocation underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. Dr. Alausa further noted that the Federal Government has injected N1.3 billion into the CHF over the past four years to bolster the treatment of indigent patients. Despite this investment, he acknowledged the ongoing need for additional resources and emphasised the ministry’s efforts to mobilize funds through a collaborative, sector-wide approach, including private sector involvement.”

    Alausa said “that is not what we need to take care of the large burden of the disease that we face. We are working on mobilising substantial amount of money from two various pathways. The Health Sector Renewal Initiative, the big focus of that is sector-wide approach. This will enable us mobilise funds and coordinate current fragmentation we have in our healthcare system. We have the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which is one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) but that is not enough to meet the healthcare needs of our vulnerable group and the people that need it the most.”

    He added that the ministry would collaborate with development partners to direct funds to where it was needed for better coordination to avoid duplication. He said: “as we mobilise some of the funds from our development partners as well as the funds from the BHCPF, we will direct more to Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). The move is to enable us to cover all patients as we move into the year, and we are fortunate to have supplementary budget; we will advocate for more funding to be directed to the healthcare sector.”

    Dr. Alausa also highlighted the pivotal role of the newly established National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), which has been legislatively empowered to lead advancements in cancer research and treatment. In a strategic move towards streamlined operations, he noted that the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), previously managed within the ministry, has been relocated to NICRAT. This transition aims to ensure expeditious and seamless access to indigent Nigerians in need, emphasizing efficiency, timeliness, and sustainability. While NICRAT assumes operational oversight, the ministry will maintain its role in providing policy direction for the fund’s activities. Dr. Alausa underscored the multifaceted approach adopted to tackle cancer challenges, emphasizing primary prevention through vaccination, early detection, prompt treatment, and ongoing research initiatives. Notably, the ministry, in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), spearheads the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer at the primary level.

    “It is also carrying out Hepatitis immunisation for prevention of liver cancers. Vaccination for viral hepatitis has been on the national programme on immunisation, HPV Vaccination was commenced in 2023. I hereby enjoin parents, opinion leaders and indeed all stakeholders to take advantage of the immunisation programmes. The vaccine is free, very safe and highly efficacious in preventing these cancers.”

    The minister also said that the NHIA Act 2022 had made health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians, therefore had been mandated through a guideline to enrol all Nigerians including cancer patients into health insurance. “The NHIA will ultimately manage funding for cancer care in the future, to avoid duplication of roles in terms of purchase of services for all patients. Recently, the operational guideline of the NHIA Act was launched to pave the way for full operationalisation of the Act, which also provides for funding for vulnerable Nigerians including cancer patients.”

    In furthering efforts to enhance access to cancer care services, the government is embarking on the establishment of six new cancer centres of excellence across the six geopolitical zones. These centres, equipped with brachytherapy machines and other essential equipment, will be situated in prominent hospitals such as the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (South-East); Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, and Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina (North-West); University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin (South-South); Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos (North Central); and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos (South West). Additionally, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri (North-East), is undergoing upgrades. Dr. Alausa emphasized the ministry’s commitment to implementing the National Policy on Hospice and Palliative Care and the National Policy on Chemotherapy Safety, both launched in 2021, to ensure comprehensive cancer care and patient safety. “This year is the midterm of their implementation; the ministry will take steps to review the level of implementation of the two policy documents with the view to ensuring optimal uptake by the healthcare providers across the country.”

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    Speaking on the theme of the 2024 World Cancer Day, which advocates for collective action to challenge those in power, Dr. Alausa emphasized the government’s commitment to closing the cancer care gap in Nigeria. At the conference, advocates like Ms. Salomey Eferemo, CEO of the Partnership for Eradication of Cancer in Africa (PECA), underscored the importance of early detection and treatment. Ms. Eferemo highlighted the significance of affordable testing and hailed the rollout of the HPV vaccine as a pivotal development for Nigerian women. She stressed that early detection, following the “Look and Treat Protocol” recommended by the WHO, is crucial for countries like Nigeria with limited resources.

    “They should routinise it in Nigeria. If a woman walks into a health centre to test for HPV, they should check her for it, if she has been checked she should be given a certificate like COVID, stamped and dated. “With this, we can have data to work with, have a registry to know who has and who does not and who needs to be escalated for treatment and the data collection too will be fine.”

    She further revealed that her organization is currently seeking approval to introduce a groundbreaking device known as Oncosic. This innovative tool has the capability to detect between seven to eleven different types of cancers from just one blood specimen. By analyzing DNA, Oncosic can identify potential cancer risks or existing cancer cells, allowing for early intervention and treatment initiation. Ms. Eferemo emphasized the importance of early detection, highlighting that certain cancers can take up to 20 years to manifest symptoms. With Oncosic, individuals can proactively assess their cancer status, enabling timely medical intervention and potentially saving lives. “Oncosic has been validated in Europe and they are bringing it here because it is cheap. Most cancer tests are very expensive but this one may be under 20 dollars. They put it under an analyser in the lab and use Artificial Intelligence algorithm to detect it,” she added.

  • Cancer care: Nigeria on the right track, say Stakeholders

    Cancer care: Nigeria on the right track, say Stakeholders

    Despite some noticeable limitations inherent in the care of cancer programes in Nigeria, stakeholders unanimously agree that the the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is moving in the right direction to address the disease comprehensively through the proactive strategies the government has adopted.

    The World Health Organization (WHO), JSI, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Partnership for Eradication of Cancer in Africa (PECA), and NNPC Foundation, along with several others, have expressed confidence in the anticipated results of the government’s efforts to mitigate and combat the proliferation of cancer in Nigeria.

    Addressing a Ministerial press briefing in honor of the 2024 World Cancer Day in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, noted that upon assuming office last year, President Bola Tinubu prioritized the provision of accessible, quality, and affordable healthcare services, with the goal of achieving universal health coverage (UHC) for all Nigerians.

    Alausa said cancer care was identified as a crucial aspect of healthcare service delivery, which is centered on the Ministry’s Four Point Agenda to guide the process.

    He said several steps have been taken to address cancer challenges in the country which include Primary prevention through vaccination, early detection, prompt treatment and Research. 

    Among several measures implemented, he highlighted the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus vaccination in 2023 for primary prevention of cervical cancer, alongside the Hepatitis immunization aimed at preventing liver cancers, which has been part of routine immunization efforts.

    The establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) mandated by law to provide leadership in the area of cancer research and treatment as well as the management and disbursement of Cancer Health Fund to provide prompt and unhindered access of the Fund to the indigent Nigeria who needs this for efficiency, particularly timeliness and sustainability. 

    Mandatory registration of all Nigerians under the National Health Insurance Authority while the treatment of some cancers has been incorporated into the Insurance to lessen the burden of care on the insured victims. 

    The establishment of new Cancer Centres of Excellence in six  Federal University Teaching Hospitals in the six geo-political zones of the country.

    The mid-term review of the level of the implementation of the National Policy on Hospice and Palliative Care and the National Policy on Chemotherapy Safety which were launched in 2021 will be carried out this year with the view to ensuring optimal uptake by Healthcare providers across the country.  

    Alausa also revealed that the current N1.3b currently warehoused in the Cancer Health Fund, though significantly insufficient for its intended purpose, would be significantly augmented through a Sector-Wide Approach to revitalize the health sector, with contributions expected soon from the private sector and development partners.

    For emphasis, NICRAT Director General (DG), Usman Malami Aliyu, in his presentation stated that Nigeria has already developed and launched a policy document on hospice and palliative care along with the national strategic cancer control plan 2023-27, and national cancer research agenda, with plans to implement them from the 2024 budget.

    Aliyu said: “We are dedicated to strengthening and improving the administration and management of the Cancer Health Fund in Nigeria. 

    “The focus of the Institute on CHF implementation will be on enhancing coverage, ensuring effective resource mobilization, and promoting transparency in the allocation of resources to support cancer treatment, and care services.

    “We have forged impactful partnerships with international agencies and leading research organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Syndicate Bio, Milken Institute, Mayo Clinic, BVGH, Phillips Foundation, and recently St. Jude Global. 

    “These collaborations are aimed at advancing cancer research, capacity building, training, and support for cancer treatment, prevention, and control in Nigeria.

    “In our concerted effort to improve data management in cancer, the institute has commenced the process of improving, digitalizing, and centralizing the National Cancer Registry in Nigeria. 

    “This will strengthen national planning and policy prioritization in our effort to mitigate against the scourge of cancer in the country.

    “It is imperative to acknowledge that these initiatives are not merely isolated efforts. Instead, they symbolize a comprehensive strategy to improve national coordination and governance in cancer control, enhance population health outcomes, ensure national health security, and unlock healthcare value chains through innovative research, collaboration, and partnership fashioned by the Institute with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare”.

    Leading the stakeholders, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State and Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, conveyed her confidence in the government’s approach. 

    She noted the evident political will, which has been lacking, towards containing the scourge of cancer.

    She emphasized that with a significant number of Nigerians succumbing to the disease, there is ample opportunity for collective action while pledging to maintain her commitment and to persevere in efforts to close that gap.

    Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa lamented that though the projection that over the next 20 years, cancer death rates in Africa will overtake the global average of 30% appeared scary, he nevertheless commended the progress made in cancer prevention and care in our region. 

    With the various steps taken by the government, he said, “WHO also commends the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for including cancer screening and treatment in the Health Sector Renewed Program through Sector Wide Approach. Globally, to “close the care gap”, WHO is supporting several initiatives including the Global Initiative for childhood cancer (GICC), Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative and the Global Breast Cancer Initiative.

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    Representatives from JSI and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) commended Nigeria for demonstrating the political resolve that had previously been absent in addressing the issue directly.

    Salome Eferemo, Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership for Eradication of Cancer in Africa (PECA), similarly praised the Federal Government’s determination to address the challenges of cancer care.

    She disclosed that there are ongoing considerations awaiting approval for the potential introduction into Nigeria, of a novel cancer testing technology capable of detecting 11 potential cancer infections through a single blood test.

    NNPC Foundation also assured of its commitment to partner with the government in the fight against the disease.

  • Closing the gap on frightening cancer cases 

    Closing the gap on frightening cancer cases 

    • People who seek cancer care hit barriers at every turn, indicating an urgent need to eliminate health inequities by addressing their root causes so that everyone can have an unfettered access to treatment

    The world united yesterday to commemorate the World Cancer Day, with the slogan “Close the care gap,” and the call to unite voices and take action. Cancer, ranking as the second leading cause of global mortality, has emerged as a significant health challenge over recent decades. Operating as a silent threat, it frequently spreads insidiously in its initial phases before manifesting into noticeable symptoms. The crucial determinant for survival in the face of this formidable disease lies in early detection.

    Alarming statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveal a bleak outlook for global cancer cases. By 2050, the WHO predicts a staggering 35 million new cancer cases, marking a 77% surge from the 2022 figures, which reported 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths. The WHO attributes these concerning projections to factors identified in a survey conducted by its cancer research arm, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). “The rapidly growing global cancer burden reflects both population ageing and growth, as well as changes to people’s exposure to risk factors, several of which are associated with socioeconomic development. Tobacco, alcohol, and obesity are key factors behind the increasing incidence of cancer, with air pollution still a key driver of environmental risk factors,” the research said.

    In addition to the daunting cancer projections, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has shed light on the insufficient financial backing for essential cancer and palliative care services in a majority of countries surveyed. This underscores a critical gap in supporting these vital services as part of universal health coverage (UHC). The WHO’s findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced global efforts to ensure accessible and adequate cancer care within the framework of comprehensive healthcare. “The estimated number of people who were alive within five years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About one in five people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately one in nine men and one in 12 women die from the diseases, ” WHO noted.

    The International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC) global cancer observatory, spanning 185 countries and tracking 36 types of cancer, reveals a stark reality: ten types of cancer constituted approximately two-thirds of new cases and deaths globally in 2022. Lung cancer stands out as the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, making up 12.4% of new cases and 18.7% of deaths. Following closely is female breast cancer, accounting for 11.6% of cases and seven per cent of deaths. These statistics underscore the significant burden posed by specific cancer types and the imperative for targeted intervention and prevention strategies.

    IARC reveals a staggering statistic: one in five people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Tragically, approximately one in nine men and one in twelve women succumb to the disease. Alarmingly, over 60 per cent of the world’s new annual cancer cases occur in low and middle-income countries, contributing to around 70 per cent of cancer-related deaths. This underscores a pressing need for global efforts to address the disproportionate burden of cancer in less affluent nations.

    The latest estimates from IARC highlight the significant impact of cancer on individuals under the age of 70, accounting for 57 percent of  new cases and 47 percent of cancer-related deaths. As the global cancer burden is projected to surge by approximately 60 per cent in the next two decades, it places an increasing strain on health systems, communities, and individuals. The three predominant cancer types identified by IARC in 2022 were lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. Lung cancer topped the list with 2.5 million new cases (12.4 percent), followed by female breast cancer (2.3 million cases, 11.6 percent), and colorectal cancer (1.9 million cases, 9.6 percent). Notably, in Nigeria, cervical cancer ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 15 to 44.

    The research also highlights other prominent causes of cancer-related deaths, such as colorectal (bowel), liver, and stomach cancers. Cervical cancer, though entirely preventable, remains a pressing global health concern, ranking as the eighth most common cancer globally and the ninth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2022, it accounted for 661,044 new cases and 348,186 deaths. The continued impact of preventable cancers underscores the importance of robust prevention and early detection measures in public health initiatives. “It is the most common cancer in women in 25 countries, many of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO’s new global survey shed light on major inequalities and lack of financial protection for cancer around the world, with population, especially in lower-income countries, unable to access the basics of cancer care, ” WHO added.

    IARC’s findings reveal significant disparities in the cancer burden based on human development. Countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI) face a lower risk of cancer diagnosis, while those with a low HDI are at a higher risk and experience elevated mortality rates from the disease. WHO’s global survey further underscores these global disparities in cancer services, emphasising the urgent need for equitable access to comprehensive cancer care across different regions and socioeconomic statuses. Addressing these discrepancies is crucial for achieving universal health coverage and reducing the impact of cancer on vulnerable populations.

    The WHO report highlights pervasive global inequalities and insufficient financial protection for cancer care, particularly affecting populations in lower-income countries. Cary Adams, the head of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), emphasises that despite advancements in early detection and treatment, significant disparities persist not only between high and low-income regions globally but also within individual countries. The existing gaps underscore the pressing need for concerted efforts to bridge disparities in cancer care access and outcomes, promoting more inclusive and equitable healthcare systems worldwide.

    The staggering number of approximately 102,000 new cancer cases reported annually in Nigeria, coupled with widespread under-diagnosis and the financial barriers to treatment, underscores the critical imperative for comprehensive measures to enhance citizens’ access to quality healthcare in the country. In Nigeria, a nation with approximately 220 million people, complex health issues like cancer are increasingly emerging as significant healthcare challenges. Breast cancer stands out with the highest mortality rate, closely followed by prostate cancer. The WHO projects a worrisome 50 percent increase in the number of diagnosed cases, underlining the pressing need for effective strategies and resources to address this escalating health concern.

    Cancer, a diverse group of diseases, can originate in any organ or tissue of the body, characterised by abnormal cell growth that invades nearby structures and may metastasise to other organs. Metastasis is a key contributor to cancer-related fatalities. Globally, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death, responsible for around 9.6 million deaths. The escalating cancer burden places substantial physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems.

    In Nigeria, the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) reports an annual expenditure of approximately N12 billion on cancer treatment by Nigerians. Over the years, experts have underscored various suspected risk factors associated with cancer, encompassing age, alcohol consumption, chronic inflammation, dietary habits, hormonal influences, tobacco use, immunosuppression, exposure to infectious agents, and contact with carcinogens. While certain risk factors can be mitigated through preventive measures, the inevitability of aging remains beyond control. Regrettably, within the multifaceted challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare sector, cancer stands out as a prominent cause of mortality among women, contributing to 28 percent of all female deaths, as reported by the National Cancer Registry. Predominant cancers in this context include breast cancer, cervical cancer, and liver cancer.

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    Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges in managing the increasing cancer burden. Globally, a substantial number of cancer patients lack timely access to quality diagnosis and treatment. In regions with robust healthcare systems, survival rates for various cancers have witnessed improvement, attributed to accessible early detection, quality treatment, and comprehensive survivorship care. Unfortunately, Nigeria lags behind in this regard. Addressing the brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector is imperative to bridge the cancer care gap. The nation’s leadership must develop effective strategies to retain healthcare professionals and counteract the migration of oncologists to high-income countries.

    There is a stark imbalance, with only 80 clinical oncologists catering to over 120,000 patients in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Nigeria faces a critical shortage in its healthcare workforce, with just four medical doctors per 10,000 patients in 2021 and 15 nurses and midwives per 10,000 patients for a population of 220 million. Addressing this deficit in oncology professionals is paramount. While various cancer treatments are available globally, their affordability is a challenge. To make cancer care accessible, the Nigerian government should establish a health insurance scheme, ensuring financial support for treatment. This initiative can also contribute to the creation of more health facilities.

    Infrastructure and equipment, especially comprehensive cancer centres, are urgently required. With only three cancer treatment centres, Nigeria needs at least one comprehensive cancer centre in each of its 36 states to accommodate the population and the growing number of cancer patients. Adequate training programs for specialists and healthcare teams are essential, requiring collaboration between stakeholders in the health sector with government support. Furthermore, improving compensation, investing in graduate schools, and enhancing working conditions can help retain medical professionals in the country, reducing the mass exodus of skilled workers. Closing the cancer care gaps necessitates a holistic approach involving policy changes, infrastructure development, and workforce investment.

    In Nigeria, a cancer diagnosis is often viewed as a dire fate, primarily due to inadequate health facilities and subpar health outcomes. Consequently, heightened awareness is crucial, particularly in rural communities where 70% of the country’s impoverished population resides. The key objectives of World Cancer Day encompass dispelling myths, promoting early detection, and advocating for enhanced cancer care. Effective cancer prevention and control hinge on implementing evidence-based strategies across prevention, screening, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. By fostering awareness and understanding, we can combat the misconceptions surrounding cancer and empower individuals to take proactive measures for prevention and early intervention. World Cancer Day serves as a catalyst for instigating positive change and fostering a collective commitment to addressing the challenges associated with this formidable health concern.

    This year’s theme, “Closing the Care Gap,” underscores the imperative to intensify efforts at establishing essential infrastructure to confront health challenges, ensuring improved care for cancer patients and survivors. The rallying call is clear: no one should confront the challenges of cancer in isolation. Let’s persist in demonstrating empathy, care, love, and support for those affected by cancer, all while fostering awareness and advocating for enhanced service delivery. The collective effort to bridge the care gap aligns with the world’s shared commitment to a more compassionate and supportive healthcare landscape for all.

  • World Cancer Day: First Lady seeks better care 

    World Cancer Day: First Lady seeks better care 

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for better care and support for patients and survivors of cancer in the society.

    She said nobody should face the challenges of cancer alone.

    Senator Tinubu stated this in her message on this year’s commemoration of World Cancer Day.

    In her personal message yesterday in Abuja, she said: “This year’s World Cancer Day presents an important opportunity to raise awareness and elaborate further the message of prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.

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    “The theme for this year’s celebration, Closing the Care Gap, speaks to the fact that we are to deepen our efforts in putting in place necessary infrastructure to address these health challenges towards providing better care for cancer patients and survivors.

    “No one should have to face the challenges of cancer alone. Let us continue to show empathy, care, love, and support for cancer patients and survivors, even as we create more awareness and advocacy for better service delivery.

    “Also, we are to celebrate those who are cancer-free.

    “God bless you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Sugary Drink Tax Funds can contribute to cancer care funding, says Coalition

    Sugary Drink Tax Funds can contribute to cancer care funding, says Coalition

    As the world commemorates World Cancer Day, the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) coalition has called for higher taxes on sugary sweetened beverages (SSB) in Nigeria, arguing that it is an ineffective method for combating and preventing cancer in the country.

    The Coalition noted that with approximately 125,000 new cancer cases annually and around 72,000 deaths from the disease each year, the government has a responsibility to intensify its efforts in prevention. 

    According to the group, the financial burden on victims and the resulting spread of poverty, emphasized the need for increased government action.

    The Coalition is advocating 20% per litre of sugar sweetened Beverages, 10% increase from the extant rate.

    In a statement on Sunday to mark World Cancer Day (WCD), Omei Bongos-Ikwue, a representative of the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) coalition, highlighted that sugary beverage consumption escalates the risk of at least 12 different cancers. 

    Bongos-Ikwue argued that implementing a higher tax on these products would not only discourage excessive consumption but also provide additional funds to the government for cancer care initiatives, saying, “This growing burden of cancer translates to heightened demand for cancer care services. 

    “This year’s World Cancer Day theme makes an important reference to the limited access to cancer care.

    “In Nigeria, there are an estimated 125,000 new cancer cases every year, and around 72,000 people die from cancer annually. 

    “Some of these deaths can be prevented by more equitable access to care. 

    “An important risk factor for cancer is lifestyle factors, including physical activity and diet. The consumption of sugary beverages is linked to increased cancer risk, in addition to other NCDs”. 

    Regarding the necessity for the government to take a more proactive stance against diseases that significantly deplete the nation’s quality man power hours, Bongos-Ikwue emphasized the urgency for decisive government action, particularly in light of the ongoing global economic downturn.

    “A cancer diagnosis often results in catastrophic out-of-pocket spending, frequently pushing victims’ and their families into near poverty. 

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    “Fewer than 10% of Nigerians are covered by the National Health Insurance Authority. 

    “Globally, there is consensus that universal health coverage is more sustainably and equitably financed by the public rather than private funding. 

    “Important financing opportunities have arisen through prohealth taxes. 

    “With these staggering cancer statistics, this year’s World Cancer Day presents the opportunity for the Nigerian government to accelerate action on taxing sugary drinks to reduce consumption and, ultimately, save lives. 

    “A comprehensive framework for taxing sugary beverages and allocating tax funds to healthcare can contribute to public funds available for accessing cancer care”, she added.