Anambra State, Nigeria—Professor Kelechi Okonta, a leading medical expert in cardiothoracic surgery and public health at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, has underscored the significant burden of lung cancer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Prof. Okonta emphasized that the prevalence of lung cancer in the region is grossly underreported due to a lack of awareness and proper diagnosis.
Speaking during a lecture titled “Epidemiological Molecular Characteristics and Challenges with the Management of Lung Cancer: An Inquisitive Look at Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa” at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada, Prof. Okonta highlighted the pressing need to address the poor reportage and data collection surrounding lung cancer in the region.
He emphasized that the absence of a lung cancer registry in Nigeria poses a significant obstacle to raising awareness and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Additionally, Prof. Okonta pointed out that while cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for lung cancer, a substantial number of patients in Nigeria are non-smokers, suggesting other environmental carcinogens may be contributing to the disease.
Identifying key challenges in lung cancer care in Nigeria, Prof. Okonta outlined resource limitations, lack of awareness, and insufficient diagnostic and treatment infrastructure as major obstacles. He called for concerted efforts to address these challenges, including encouraging expertise development, promoting technology adoption, and enhancing healthcare funding.
Proposing solutions, Prof. Okonta advocated for the establishment of a national lung cancer registry, implementation of comprehensive screening programs, and the adoption of molecular profiling in patient management. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with international institutions, such as the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, to advance research and treatment efforts.
In response, Prof. Geoffrey Liu, the host of the event, expressed eagerness to collaborate with Prof. Okonta and his institution in lung cancer research and treatment initiatives. He praised Prof. Okonta’s expertise and extensive contributions to the field, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by lung cancer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
