Tackling the scourge of cancer

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases afflicting mankind. It has not only killed millions of patients; it has also eaten deep into the finances of many families. On the occasion of this year’s World Cancer Day held on February 4, 2025, relevant Nigerian and world bodies gave insights into the prevalence of the scourge in the world. The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day was ‘United by Unique’, a reminder that every patient has a unique cancer journey, though the battle against the disease is universal, and collective action is key to ensuring equitable care for all.

The statistics are glaring. About 20 million new cases of cancer were reportedly recorded worldwide in 2022 with about 9.7 million deaths. In the same 2022, Africa reportedly recorded over 900,000 new cases and over 580,000 deaths. In Nigeria, there were about 127,763 new cases and 79,542 deaths in 2022. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that cancer kills 240 Nigerians daily. Without urgent action, says the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, cancer deaths in Africa could rise by over 70 per cent by 2040. By 2050, it is projected that the scourge will rise by 77 per cent worldwide.

Among the major cancer types, lung cancer is most prevalent in the world with about 2.5 million new cases, which account for 12.4 per cent of the total new cases. Female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer rank second (2.3 million cases), third (1.9 million cases), fourth (1.5 million cases) and fifth (970,000 cases) respectively.

Symptoms of cancer include, among others, skin changes, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, blood in stool and persistent pain.  The tragedy of our situation is that most of our experts who would have been valuable in the care for cancer patients have left the country. Nigeria is reported to have less than 80 oncologists to attend to a population of over 200 million people. President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, explained that we have one radiation oncologist to nearly 2,000 patients when, ideally, it should be one radiation oncologist to between 250 and 500 patients.

Cancer treatment is capital intensive. It involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Breast cancer, for instance, reportedly gulps about N20 million to stabilize a patient. This includes diagnosis and preliminary tests. Early detection of the disease and visiting the right medical personnel is the best way to handle it.

Advanced countries have devised ways of tackling the disease. The European Union (EU), for instance, launched Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan in 2021. This plan has engendered the establishment of many initiatives to improve prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of patients in the EU. African Union should emulate this initiative.

The Federal Government should establish a comprehensive cancer centre to ameliorate the plight of cancer patients. At least, screening machines should be available in all the states. Government should also subsidize drugs for the treatment of the patients. While we commend the government for approving the establishment of additional six cancer treatment centres in Nigeria, we urge it to equip those centres with the necessary facilities and manpower. Government should also significantly increase the allocation to Cancer Health Fund in the national budget.

Besides, there is need for public enlightenment campaign on how cancer spreads, preventive measures, and promoting early diagnosis. People should avoid stigmatizing cancer patients and, as much as possible, avoid risk factors such as smoking, exposures to toxins and radiations. Citizens should engage in healthy lifestyle like good nutrition and physical exercise. Improving access to early screening, diagnosis and treatment is also very essential.

It is imperative to note that the Federal Government has recorded some milestones in the prevention and treatment of cancer. According to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the present administration has made substantial investment in cancer prevention and care within the last 18 months. He said the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) was leading the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination for primary prevention of cancer of the cervix and Hepatitis immunization for prevention of liver cancers in the country. Over 12 million girls have reportedly been immunized against HPV in Nigeria since the HPV vaccination commenced in 2023.

“Sequel to the approval of Mr. President, we have finalized plans to establish and upgrade six Federal Teaching Hospitals with new Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities across the country. Three of the centres are planned to be commissioned in May, 2025 and the remaining three will be commissioned on or before the 2026 World Cancer Day,” the minister added.

Nevertheless, cancer is not a death sentence. British royal family, including King Charles III, Catherine, the Princess of Wales; Sarah, the Duchess of York were all diagnosed of cancer in recent times. But due to world-class treatment and care, they are still surviving until date and some of them are in the process of recovery. Nigerians can survive cancer if the right things are done.