Cancer Day: Experts highlight early detection, prevention

World Cancer Day is observed every 4th of February as a catalyst to enhance awareness and understanding while also advocating proactive measures to prevent, detect, and treat the disease.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “United by Unique,” defines the crucial role of personalised, patient-centred care in the fight against cancer and highlights the importance of adapting cancer treatments to cater to the unique needs of each individual.

Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably.

It is one of the leading causes of death, as uncontrolled cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.

A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that globally, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022, a figure projected to reach 35 million by 2050.

Figures from the National Cancer Control Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) indicate that about 124,815 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer annually. However, due to inadequate care and affordability challenges, at least 78,899 die every year.

Caregivers estimate that an individual may require between ₦10 million and ₦30 million to achieve a cure, which is defined as up to five years of good quality of life post-treatment. However, not many can afford such an expense in the country.

To address this, the Federal Government established the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in July 2023 to combat cancer and advance oncology.

The Director-General of NICRAT, Professor Usman Aliyu, explained that the government had also set up the Cancer Health Fund, involving six cancer centres across the country, to assist indigent patients with treatment costs.

He further stated that the fund, currently in its pilot phase, caters to breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, with 450 new cancer patients enrolled in the programme.

Professor Aliyu also mentioned ongoing efforts by the government to train over 3,000 oncologists, improve access to diagnostic tools, increase funding, and establish more screening sites.

Health experts have noted that over 40 per cent of cancers could be prevented, including those triggered by viruses such as cervical cancer (largely caused by the Human Papillomavirus, HPV) and some types of liver cancer caused by hepatitis B and C. Another 40 per cent of cases could be cured if detected early.

Dr Nandi Ishaya from the Department of Prevention and Control, NICRAT, stated that many cancer patients in Nigeria could have survived if they had sought medical attention earlier.

Dr Ishaya highlighted various treatment methods when detected early:

“Some cases can be treated by simply removing or burning the lesion. Others may require removing the uterus with the cervix, where the problem originates. However, when it is diagnosed late, options become limited. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy are available for some cancers.”

A Stage 4 cancer survivor, Ms Chioma Ikejiani, who shared her ordeal, praised the government for establishing the Cancer Health Fund, which had assisted in her treatment.

“When I was diagnosed, I was in shock. But I survived. I was in Stage 4, and I was able to beat this. I have been in remission since then.”

Ms Ikejiani advised cancer patients to adopt healthier lifestyles, stay focused, and remain positive.

By Ifeoma Nwovu