Rivers State Reaffirms Cancer Prevention and Treatment Access

Rivers State Government Renews Push Against Cancer Burden

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the impact of cancer through enhanced healthcare infrastructure, preventive strategies, and improved access to treatment services. This announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, during the commemoration of the 2026 World Cancer Day, observed globally on February 4 under the theme ‘United by Unique’.

Dr. Oreh stated that the annual observance serves as a critical platform to raise public awareness, promote prevention, and galvanize collective action against a disease that remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. She emphasized that many cancers are preventable or curable with early detection, underscoring the necessity for sustained awareness campaigns and equitable healthcare access.

According to the commissioner, the state government is implementing targeted policies, upgrading health facilities, and forging partnerships to strengthen cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Key priorities include expanding diagnostic services, making treatment more affordable, and training healthcare workers. She also urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles—avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, eating balanced diets, and exercising regularly—and to undergo routine check-ups, noting that early detection significantly improves survival rates for cancers like breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal.

“As we observe World Cancer Day, let us unite to close the cancer gap and ensure that every resident of Rivers State has access to timely, affordable and quality cancer care,” she said.

The commemoration included a seminar at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Chief Medical Director, Professor Chizindu Alikor, highlighted that cancer care must balance scientific excellence with human-centered compassion, as each patient’s experience is unique. He called for enhanced collaboration among clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and communities to improve prevention and treatment access.

Dr. Rex Idja of the RSUTH Surgery Department outlined practical challenges, including high treatment costs, late-stage presentations, and persistent misinformation. He disclosed that the hospital recorded over 1,000 cancer cases between 2021 and 2024, reflecting a growing clinical burden. Many patients still view cancer as a spiritual affliction or a death sentence, leading to stigma and delays in seeking care. Dr. Idja advocated for public education, community engagement, multidisciplinary care teams, and the establishment of a dedicated cancer fund to support low-income patients.

The event featured testimony from cancer survivor Adebayo Fudjo, founder of the Healthy Sabir Foundation. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she credited early detection and prompt treatment for her survival. “Cancer is not a death sentence; I am living proof,” she said, urging the public to overcome fear and misinformation, prioritize screening, and trust medical advice.

The statements collectively point to a multi-faceted strategy in Rivers State: strengthening health systems, addressing Socio-economic barriers, and reshaping public perception to combat cancer more effectively.