Nigerian Cancer Society Calls for Urgent Action on Cancer Care

By Yecenu J. Sasetu

As the world marks World Cancer Day 2025, the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for urgent action to improve cancer care and policy implementation in the country. At a press briefing, Prof. Abidemi Emmanuel Omonisi, President of NCS, emphasized the need for a holistic and well-funded approach to cancer treatment.

“Nigeria cannot afford to focus only on a few cancer types while others remain neglected. We need a holistic approach that ensures every Nigerian facing cancer—regardless of the type—has access to proper diagnosis, treatment, and care,” he stated.

This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” highlights the importance of patient-centered cancer care. The NCS launched its World Cancer Day activities on January 31, 2025, with a virtual session focused on HPV vaccination and cancer prevention.

Other key activities included:

• A ministerial press briefing hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health.
• The launch of the National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group (NM TWG).
• The formation of the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC) to involve young people in cancer prevention efforts.
• A scientific symposium, patient outreach programs, and interfaith prayer sessions.
• The documentation of cancer survivor stories to amplify patient voices.

Key Cancer Challenges in Nigeria

Prof. Omonisi highlighted five major challenges affecting cancer care and treatment in Nigeria:

1. Neglected Cancers & Rising Burden – While breast, cervical, and prostate cancers receive attention, others like colorectal, childhood, ovarian, and blood cancers remain underfunded.
2. Weak Cancer Data & Surveillance – Only five well-functioning cancer registries exist in Nigeria, limiting accurate data collection.
3. Late Diagnosis & Poor Awareness – Many Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, lack access to basic cancer education, leading to late-stage diagnoses.
4. Healthcare Worker Migration (Japa Syndrome) – The brain drain of oncologists is impacting cancer treatment services.
5. High Cost of Cancer Treatment – Most cancer patients in Nigeria pay out-of-pocket, making treatment unaffordable. The National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF) remains grossly underfunded.

The NCS urged the Federal and State Governments, policymakers, and development partners to:

• Increase funding for cancer treatment, research, and patient support.
• Invest in healthcare workforce retention to curb brain drain.
• Expand cancer awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas.
• Strengthen cancer registries for better data collection.
• Fully fund the National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF) to assist financially challenged patients.

Prof. Omonisi reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to advocacy, policy engagement, and awareness creation, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality cancer care.

“Together, we can reduce the cancer burden in Nigeria. We must act now,” he concluded.