FG launches BRANT App to support Cancer treatment

As part of efforts to combat breast cancer in Nigeria, the Federal Government, in partnership with Roche Nigeria, has launched the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) App. The initiative aims to enhance patient care, streamline support systems, and empower individuals battling the disease.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Professor Usman Aliyu, described the programme as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to a patient-centred approach to healthcare, guided by compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

Representing the Director-General, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Waziri, highlighted that the programme would address the mental, physical, and financial challenges faced by breast cancer patients, with a focus on early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

“We know that early detection, timely intervention, and seamless access to healthcare resources can significantly alter the course of a diagnosis. With this understanding, this collaboration has worked tirelessly to create a solution that brings patients, healthcare providers, and support networks together in one unified system,” he stated.

A Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Oncopadi, Dr Omolola Salako, stressed the importance of leveraging technology to improve cancer care through digital insights and patient feedback.

“Oncopadi has developed five digital oncology products to support cancer patients, applying design principles to create effective and user-friendly solutions,” she said.

Dr Bolarinwa Oyedeji, Managing Director of Roche Nigeria, noted that the initiative would help close the gap in cancer care by providing patients with guided navigation from diagnosis through treatment.

“The app is designed to facilitate patient engagement with specialists, contributing to the overall success of the programme,” he added.

The Deputy Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nigeria, Dr Alexander Chimbaru, expressed concern that breast cancer remains the most common cancer globally, with 2.3 million cases diagnosed and 670,000 deaths recorded in 2022.

He stated that the BRANT initiative would help reduce these figures by promoting early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management. He further noted that WHO would support the initiative across the West African region and collaborate with other countries to enhance cancer care.

Ifeoma Nwovu