Cancer continues to cast a daunting shadow over Nigeria, with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment revealing that the country grapples with over 120,000 new cases each year. Prof Usman Aliyu, the Director General, delivered this alarming revelation at the seventh annual conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists, in partnership with the World Health Organization in Nasarawa State.
In 2020 alone, an estimated 78,000 Nigerians succumbed to cancer-related complications, echoing the urgent need for proactive measures. The grim toll comprised 44,699 females and 34,200 males, painting a harrowing picture of the disease’s impact across genders.
Laying bare the stark reality, Prof Usman Aliyu emphasized, “It is estimated that there are over 120,000 new cancer cases every year in Nigeria. With these gory statistics, NICRAT is determined to work with all relevant stakeholders to disrupt cancer in Nigeria through intense awareness creation and improved access to treatment and research.”
In a bid to spearhead this critical mission, the institute has rolled out a comprehensive strategy, vowing to exponentially increase the cadre of cancer experts through rigorous training and retraining of healthcare professionals. Moreover, NICRAT recently unveiled three pivotal documents: the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, the National Cancer Research Agenda 2024-2027, and the National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Cancer of Uterine Cervix 2023-2027.
Highlighting the pivotal role of these initiatives, Prof Aliyu stressed that they encapsulate crucial areas of focus, encompassing governance, prevention, supply chain management, data and research, and surveillance. This strategic alignment resonates with the Ministry of Health’s overarching objective to enhance the nation’s healthcare landscape, underscoring a concerted effort to bolster the well-being of all Nigerians.
Commending the government’s pivotal move to transition the Cancer Trust Fund from the Federal Ministry of Health to NICRAT, Prof Aliyu underscored the paramount role of the media and various stakeholders in amplifying the crusade against cancer. He fervently urged Non-Governmental Organizations operating in the cancer sphere to band together, igniting a unified front dedicated to uprooting, defeating, and ultimately eradicating cancer from Nigeria.
In a heartfelt appeal to the citizens, Prof Aliyu underscored the critical importance of proactive healthcare, urging individuals to prioritize regular health check-ups and promptly seek medical attention if they experience any unusual bodily sensations. By staying vigilant and addressing potential health concerns early on, there exists a powerful opportunity to thwart the progression of illnesses, including various forms of cancer.
As Nigeria confronts this formidable health challenge, the clarion call to action reverberates: unite in vigilance, bolster awareness, and drive pivotal reforms to shield the nation from the scourge of cancer.
